Supporting Peaceful Coexistence in Host Communities

Context 

Due to the Syrian crisis, Lebanon has taken in around 1.5 million Syrian refugees and has more refugees per capita than any other country in the world.

Lebanon is also facing a protracted 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 population. Nine out of ten Syrian refugee families in Lebanon live in extreme poverty.

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

Objective

Socio-economic conditions in disadvantaged urban areas of northern Lebanon have improved. The host communities live peacefully with Syrian refugees.

Approach

The project promotes peaceful coexistence between Syrian refugees and the local population in selected communities in Lebanon. Through participatory processes and local initiatives that address the needs of both groups, it improves socio-economic conditions and lays the foundation for peaceful coexistence.

The measures include:

• Participatory needs assessments: The project organises workshops to identify needs and problems together with the target groups.
• Capacity and skills development: It implements training measures for relevant local actors, in the areas of conflict resolution, mediation and participatory planning, among others.
• Initiatives to promote peaceful coexistence: The project also implements projects based on the needs identified that benefit both refugees and the host population.

Last update: April 2025