The Syrian crisis has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians to neighboring countries. According to UNHCR estimates, 729’000 are registered and pending registration as of 16 September 2013. Around 200’000 refugees are living in the under-developed North Lebanon province (30% of all refugees), most of them in private accommodation. Financial means in the project area are generally poor, as local communities are cut-off from cross-border trade, which used to be their economic mainstay.

To sustain and expand capacities for sheltering refugees and to maintain socio-economic conditions for Lebanese families and communities hosting displaced and Syrian Refugees in Akkar region, North Lebanon.

Direct: 3’200 Lebanese families hosting Syrian refugees. Indirect: 27’000 Syrian refugees able to stay with host families and having free shelter and access to basic services.

27’000 Syrian refugees (4'500 Syrian refugee families) are able to remain sheltered by host families for at least 6 months. 3’200 host families are able to engage in livelihood activities. 16 municipalities/villages benefit from an improved coordination of humanitarian assistance with the needs of the indigenous population.

Results from previous phases:  

Hosting capacities of Lebanese families were maintained and the economic burden of Syrian refugees on their hosts was de-creased through support of up to 2’827 host families who received financial support totaling CHF 5'300'000 over a period of 2 phases (16 months). This has stabilized the refugee population of 19'052 Syrian refugees (3'518 families) in private accommodation, with less than 10% further displacement. The project supported indirectly more than 90% of all refugees, registered with UNHCR or waiting for registration and hosted by Lebanese families in both Wadi Khaled and Akroum areas. The project actively facilitated the dialogue of INGOs and UN working in the project area, contributing to improved coordination of humanitarian assistance for refugees with the needs of the poor Lebanese population.

Phase 3 01.10.2013 - 30.04.2015   (Completed)