Beirut, Lebanon, 6 October 2023 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the European Union (EU) have collaborated to provide critical protection and healthcare services to vulnerable communities in Lebanon, dealing with the repercussions of the deep crises the country is going through. The European Union has contributed a total of 2,8 million euros to support IRC’s mission to address the needs and improve the protection of these communities.
Lebanon has been dealing with a critical economic, financial, and political crisis which has worsened in the aftermath of COVID-19, resulting in an escalating humanitarian crisis. An estimated 3.9 million people require humanitarian assistance, comprising 2.1 million Lebanese citizens, 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 211,000 Palestinian refugees. Stateless individuals, whose exact number remains unknown, are among the most vulnerable, as they are denied equal treatment under the law and the basic rights to work, education, and healthcare.
Lebanon’s crises have exacerbated issues of gender inequality and discrimination, significantly increasing risks for women and children. Statistics from UNICEF reveal that 53.4% of children have had to skip meals, while 70% have resorted to buying food on credit or borrowing, a figure that rises to a staggering 90% among Syrian refugees. Women and girls consulted through IRC's gender-based violence (GBV) risk assessment have reported continuous exposure to abuse, particularly verbal harassment. A troubling 78% of reported GBV incidents occurred within survivors' and alleged perpetrators' homes. Child marriage is driven by entrenched gender norms, financial hardship, and safety concerns. In response, the IRC is committed to engaging men and boys in discussions about the risks and consequences of GBV, including gender roles, equality, safeguarding, expressing emotions, joint decision-making, and early marriage.
The IRC has been actively operating in Lebanon since 2012. Through this 12-month collaboration with the EU, the organization has provided assistance to a total of more than 43,000 individuals. The program has focused on enhancing protection services for both local and refugee communities, advocating for those facing danger.
Additionally, the IRC has provided vital sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support and access to emergency secondary and tertiary healthcare. The EU-funded initiative has this way played a pivotal role in covering the expenses of life-saving and urgent hospital care.
Looking ahead, IRC plans to build upon the accomplishments funded by the EU. Our integrated approach aims to address the protection and health challenges faced by Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities. This comprehensive response includes providing essential healthcare, education, and legal services. IRC’s commitment to aiding at-risk children and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence remains unwavering.
Juan Gabriel Wells, Country Director for IRC Lebanon, said:
“We are committed to providing life-saving assistance and supporting the resilience of affected communities in Lebanon. The on-going humanitarian crisis is a stark reminder of the urgency of our work. With each passing day, children, adolescent girls, and entire families are facing unimaginable hardships, struggling to access even the most basic necessities. The International Rescue Committee remains unwavering in our dedication to deliver the necessary support and aid to those whose lives are impacted daily. Our continuing partnership with the EU has been critical to fund our mission to alleviate the suffering of the people of Lebanon.”
The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.