IRC Lebanon: Improving living conditions and strengthening resilience of refugees and host communities

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Since the beginning of the civil war in 2011, an estimated 1.5 million people have fled from Syria to Lebanon. In addition, the negative effects of the Syrian civil war have severely set back Lebanon's economic development. Accordingly, the situation on the Lebanese labor market has also deteriorated significantly since 2011. Falling real incomes and increased competition, including for public goods, are leading to increasing tensions between the socially and economically weaker sections of the host communities and the Syrian refugees who have moved there. The funding of up to EUR 10 million is intended to ensure the continuation of the livelihood support centers in Akkar and Mount Lebanon operated by the International Rescue Committee (IRC; sponsor) for 2017 and 2018 and to finance the construction of another center in northern Lebanon - probably in Tripoli. The range of services offered through the Livelihood Support Centres includes income-generating measures (cash-for-work) for a total of around 2,100 people, vocational (further) training and business and legal training and advice. It is aimed at people with different professional qualifications. In addition, IRC has designed the services so that women and young people are reached to a substantial extent. By targeting Syrian refugees and members of the host Lebanese communities equally, the FC measure also reduces competition for scarce income and employment opportunities, thus contributing to a less conflict-ridden coexistence between refugees and members of the host communities.