Introduction

Lebanon is a small country facing big national and regional challenges. These include high levels of public dissatisfaction over the delivery of public services, high levels of income inequality and corruption, as well as the highest number of refugees per capita in the world.

The majority of the more than one million Syrian refugees are living in debt and are struggling to make a living. Their presence has increased demand for social services and infrastructure. Poverty levels amongst vulnerable Lebanese host communities are also rising.

The overall economic situation is further deteriorating. Among other things, Lebanon is struggling with very high levels of public debt and the fragile economic situation has worsened in the absence of highly needed reforms.

The Netherlands supports the country by investing in opportunities for refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities. In line with the policy paper ‘Investing in Global Prospects’, the empowerment of women and youth are important cross-cutting priorities in all efforts recognising the needs and challenges faced by both young people and women.

Political stability, socio-economic development and security in Lebanon matter to the Middle East region, to Europe and to the Netherlands.

Results 2019

Efforts can be illustrated by:

2,207 young people received digital skills training for improved employability.

1,737 young people participated in non-formal vocational training, entrepreneurship and competency-based training for improved employability.

12,666 children from early education classes to grade 9 are enrolled in formal schools and have the necessary transportation means to go to school.

15,100 vulnerable Syrian refugee households received monthly multi-purpose cash assistance.

24,000 refugees received legal aid and 33,600 received counselling and support.

600 survivors or those at risk of gender-based violence (GBV) received psychosocial support (women and children).

92 direct jobs supported and 209 people assisted in developing economic income-generating activities through support to start-ups.

60 direct jobs supported through the provision of loans to small and medium-sized enterprises

Background

In 2019, a focus was introduced on education, protection and on jobs and income generation. A focused approach and carefully targeting Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities are essential.

Glimpse into the future

Poverty levels are expected to increase and the long-term resilience of refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities is crumbling. The economic situation in Lebanon will further deteriorate, increasing the need for basic assistance. It will become increasingly difficult to find a job in Lebanon. Efforts focused on education, protection and on jobs and income generation will become increasingly important.

Following protests since mid-October 2019, the challenge for the new government will be to meet the demands of the popular movement, to restore the confidence of the people and to address the economic, financial and social crises through reforms.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is most likely severe. The extent to which this affects our current and future projects is still unknown.