Syria Crisis - Protection for Conflict-Affected Individuals in Lebanon - Mercy Corps 2017-2019

November 2016 – Lebanon continues to be dramatically affected by the crisis in neighbouring Syria. Lebanon is currently hosting over 1 million Syrian refugees adding to the existing Palestinian and Iraqi refugees thus making Lebanon the country with the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. This influx has caused an enduring strain on host communities and the country’s ability to provide a number of essential services such as health education water and housing. Conflict-affected households are becoming increasingly vulnerable as poverty and food insecurity levels are increasing. With GAC’s support Mercy Corps is supporting protection and livelihoods activities benefiting up to 56 649 conflict-affected individuals. Project activities include: (1) providing up to 19 800 vulnerable Syrian and Lebanese adolescents with psychosocial support and market-driven skill-building opportunities; (2) activating three informal protection referral networks; and (3) targeting community members with events that build social cohesion between disparate groups.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved psychosocial wellbeing among Syrian and Lebanese adolescents and youth; (2) increased ability of Syrian and Lebanese adolescents and youth to pursue productive futures; (3) strengthened inter-community relationships between Syrians and Lebanese; and (4) increased capacity of civil society to serve the needs of youth. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or that are food insecure.