Lebanon

HI’s work in Lebanon aims to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable, including people with disabilities. HI has rolled out emergency projects aimed at Syrian refugees who have fled the conflict Syria and the host populations.

A young girl with one leg stands with crutches on a dirt road

Ahlam, a young refugee from Syria living in a displaced persons camp, lost her leg after a bombing. | © Elias Saade / HI

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HI started its operations in Lebanon in 1992, focusing on the provision of rehabilitation services in the Palestinian refugee camps and of mental health programs. The association has also been promoting the rights of people with disabilities. HI has also provided emergency assistance to response the crises that have rocked the country and the region.

Since 2011, HI has been supporting Syrian refugees and the Lebanese community affected by the war in Syria. HI ensures that people with disabilities receive appropriate rehabilitation care, assistive devices (prostheses and orthotics) and psychosocial support.

The association supports the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Lebanese society and promotes their access to basic services (education, health, etc.). HI improves the inclusion of children with disability to mainstream schools.

In response to the current economic crisis in Lebanon, HI plans cash distribution for impacted families.

In the past 10 years, HI contributed to the clearance operations in the North of Lebanon, following the Lebanese civil war on the 80s: HI is presently carrying out mine clearance operations in Mount Lebanon and risk education in the Bekaa region. The northern governorate has been recently declared free of mines.

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Background

Lebanon is deeply affected by an economic crisis, which was aggravated by the COVID pandemic. More than 50% of the population currently lives under the poverty line.

Meanwhile, the country continues to welcome one million refugees who have fled the 12-year war in Syria. Lebanon is also home to a large community of Palestinian refugees, mainly living in informal camps. These refugees find it particularly difficult to access basic services like health and education. People with disabilities, particularly in rural and isolated areas, are invisible and are overlooked by the humanitarian response. These populations are becoming increasingly vulnerable over time.

As a result of several decades of intermittent conflict, clearance efforts continue. The population continues to be affected by mines and explosive remnants of war, with some victims requiring life-long assistance to live with their injuries.

Number of HI staff members: 46

Date the program launched: 1992