In the Governorates of Akkar and Nabatieh, with the support of the European Union, Intersos guarantees community and specialised protection services to vulnerable host and refugee communities
Ten years into the Syrian conflict, Lebanon continues to host the highest number of displaced per capita in the world. While the country has responded with exemplary commitment to displaced Syrians and vulnerable populations within its borders, it was already at its limits prior to the severe economic and financial crisis it is facing since 2019. The present compounded crisis is marked by recession, economic decline, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut Blast on 4 August 2020. Poverty rates among the host and the refugee communities have risen dramatically, with a 55% increase in poverty among the Lebanese at and below the national poverty line, and 42% among the Syrian refugees.
The magnitude and severity of GBV issues remains notable. Sadly, increased incidents of abuse, including domestic violence leading to hospitalisation and/or death are reported in relevant statistics and observed by Intersos daily protection work on the ground. The economic conditions of many families, also make it difficult for women to access to hygiene items and services and undermining their human dignity.
The project in the Governorates of Akkar and Nabatieh
The Governorates of Akkar and Nabatieh, where the main needs registered are linked to protection, economic assistance, health and access to basic necessities, remain among the hardest hit by the crisis. Starting in June 2021, and thanks to funds from the European Union, Intersos is implementing in these two areas an intervention aimed at mitigate the protection risks faced by the most vulnerable people from refugee and host communities by enhancing prevention and response mechanisms in very vulnerable and rural areas. Specifically, the project will improve the access to quality and dignified protection services for more than 5,000 persons at risk and survivors of GBV, including sexually diverse individuals. In this scenario, it is important to include boys and men in gender-based violence prevention interventions in order to promote gender relations based on mutual understanding and mutual respect.
The work and commitment of outreach volunteers and case workers fosters trust-based community relationships by facilitating outreach to people in need. “Individuals used to talk to us stating that their lives are perfect and that they do not have anything to talk about. After few visits and private or group sessions, they began opening up about the tragic incidents they went through” Karim a case worker working in Akkar said “I still remember one man approached me saying that this is my first time I ever open up to someone and I needed it”.
The awareness sessions reached 1287 people
In the Governorate of Nabatieh after being identified, recruited and well-trained, the outreach volunteers joined the social workers in delivering awareness sessions, reaching out to more people, establishing community protection groups and referring protection cases identified in their respective communities. Up until now, the team has delivered awareness sessions to 1287 individuals, 1110 of which are females and 177 are males, 1118 are Syrian and 169 are Lebanese, 321 are adolescents and 966 are adults.
In order to enhance the participation of boys and men, thanks to the work in both bases of Intersos Psychologists, Protection Coordinator and Protection Specialist is ongoing the creation of a manual of psychosocial support which will include a curriculum dedicated to men and boys. Thanks to funds from the European Commission and the great commitment of our staff, Intersos continues to provide comprehensive interventions in the areas most affected by the economic crisis, based on the real needs of people in need.