Humanity & Inclusion in Lebanon
Humanity & Inclusion started working in Lebanon in 1992 focused on Palestinian refugee camps and clusters, providing rehabilitation and mental health services and promoting the rights of people with disabilities. The team has since provided emergency assistance in the crisis situations that have rocked the country and region. Since 2011, Humanity & Inclusion has been supporting Syrian refugees and the Lebanese community affected by the war in Syria.
Areas of Intervention
- Rehabilitation and mental health
- Weapons clearance
- Inclusive education
- Social inclusion
Humanity & Inclusion's 82-person team works in Lebanon to increase community involvement of people with disabilities and individuals living in vulnerable circumstances. This work includes physical, professional, cultural and social inclusion. As a result of the humanitarian crisis caused by conflict in Syria, Humanity & Inclusion has also rolled out emergency projects serving refugees and host communities.
In North Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, Humanity & Inclusion ensures that people with disabilities receive appropriate emergency care such as rehabilitation, psychosocial support and assistive devices including artificial limbs and braces.
Humanity & Inclusion also carries out clearance operations in the north of the country to remove explosive remnants left behind after the Lebanese civil war.
In partnership with local education and protection stakeholders, Humanity & Inclusion works to improve inclusion of students with disabilities and promote inclusive humanitarian response in Lebanon.
Background
Lebanon has been deeply affected by an economic crisis that started in late 2019, and has worsened amid the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 50% of the population currently lives under the poverty line.
Meanwhile, the country continues to welcome 1 million refugees who have fled the 10-year war in Syria. Lebanon is also home to a large community of Palestinian refugees, mainly living in informal camps. Refugees often require emergency assistance, primarily to treat their physical and psychological injuries, but have limited access to basic services like health care and education.
As a result of several decades of intermittent conflict and despite 15 years of clearance efforts, 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.
