Lebanon

Lebanon is in the midst of an economic and political crisis, overlain by the effects of huge levels of refugee migration and the Beirut Port explosion in 2020, which killed over 200 people and left more than 6,000 injured. The economic and financial crisis is ranked as one of the top three most severe crises globally, with an estimated 50 per cent of the population now living below the poverty line. Competition for jobs, services and resources has increased social tensions, and many are fearful of a return to civil war.

COVID-19 has also presented major challenges in Lebanon and more recently a cholera outbreak has spread throughout the region.

Refugee camp - Lebanon With our partners we are supporting migrants, refugees and host communities providing humanitarian assistance, healthcare and education, supporting local businesses to restart, and ensuring the safety of survivors of gender-based violence.

Focus of our work

Emergency supplies: Providing essential support to communities, including food baskets and emergency cash, medical assistance, first aid, and nursing
Rebuild and recover: Helping communities to rebuild their homes, infrastructure and communities
Psychosocial support: Providing access to mental health support and counselling
Livelihoods: Assisting refugees, and local communities, to build sustainable livelihoods
Protection of women and their rights: Supporting women, some of who have survived sexual and gender-based violence, including through legal support and by encouraging gender equality
Peace: Working with local communities to encourage positive dialogue between diverse groups.

Theresia and Nermin's story

Our project ‘Youth Resolve’ has reached out to young people in Lebanon, including locals and Syrian refugees, to engage them in activities such as tree planting, creating play areas, and organising summer camps. Theresia, 21, from Lebanon has built a strong friendship with Nermin, 28, from Syria through the activities.

“We were put together to paint a wall but got more paint on each other than the wall! It was so funny – after that, we became close friends.

"It has been important for me to have a voice as a young Syrian woman, and get involved, because I want to change other people’s opinions of us. After everything that has happened in my country, I want to help to bring about peace.”