Promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities

Context 

Lebanon has taken in around one and a half million Syrian refugees as a result of the crisis in Syria. No other country in the world hosts as many refugees in relation to its own population.

At the same time, Lebanon is undergoing a sustained period of economic and financial crisis. The number of people living in poverty has almost tripled since 2018 and is now estimated at around 78 per cent of the Lebanese population. Nine out of ten Syrian refugee families in Lebanon live in extreme poverty.

The constant strain of making a living amid conflicts over the distribution of resources is affecting relationships between refugees and host communities and leading to growing tension.

Objective

The socio-economic conditions in disadvantaged urban areas of North Lebanon have improved, in particular for young people and women. People in the host communities live peacefully with the Syrian refugees.

Approach

The project is part of the Special Initiative ‘Tackling the root causes of forced displacement, stabilising host regions, supporting refugees’ of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The measures benefit refugees and host communities in equal measure and promote their peaceful coexistence.

The project trains municipal administrations and private organisations and their staff in participatory planning and implementation as well as methods for conflict resolution. Together they are improving the provision of inclusive formats for interaction, dialogue, reflection and exchange.

The project also supports psychological health and women’s rights in its activities.

Working with refugees and members of the host communities, the project sets up local initiatives that help to foster peaceful coexistence. These include cultural events, the design of public spaces, and measures to improve income and food security, for example. Planning and implementing the measures jointly promotes social cohesion and democratic participation among the people involved.

Last update: August 2023