Lebanon
Lebanon is a small diverse country of six million that is historically marked by internal conflict and an unstable relationship with its neighbours. In addition to the humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees, the lives of people have been negatively affected by a multitude of crises since 2019. This includes an economic and financial collapse, the Beirut blast, and the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Diakonia's work in Lebanon
Lebanon has been enduring multiple escalating crises. Marred by economic collapse, resource shortage, governance paralysis, political conflict, and the aftermath of a pandemic and a major port explosion, and finally, the extensive Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon since October 2023. The Lebanese crisis continues to develop with additional intertwined layers.
All these crises have exacerbated gender inequality while exposing women and girls to additional GBV risks. The lack of protective legal framework, harmful social norms, and economic discrimination, female-headed and child-headed households, persons with disabilities, individuals with lower literacy rates, and undocumented migrant domestic workers, appear to be at greater risk of sexual exploitation and survival sex. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic decrease in women’s participation in the workforce and employment.
Our approach
Diakonia works closely with local partners to improve gender justice and accountability. Diakonia’s partner organizations strive to promote women’s rights, challenge discriminatory policies and laws, and advocate for equitable opportunities, with a particular emphasis on marginalized communities such as refugees, children, and people with disabilities.
Diakonia target groups
- Women and girls
- Youth
- Children
- Women with disabilities
- Refugee women
Project:
#NotBefore18 Advocacy campaign, Protecting Girls and Boys from Child Marriage
Objectives:
- Raising awareness on the danger of child marriage and gaining media support and audience
- Putting pressure on deputies to assume their legislative responsibilities
- Adoption of civil law specifying eighteen as the legal marriage age for men and women who live in Lebanon.
For more information
E-mail: sameya.bou.hassan@diakonia.se
An oasis for children in the heart of the refugee camp
The refugee camp outside Beirut in Lebanon is a challenging place, where more than 17,000 people live on an area built for 5,000. Nonetheless, there are bright spots, such as the place created by our partner organization Najdeh, where children get the chance to be children.
