This briefing outlines research findings and key protection concerns that the RPW coalition has noted with regard to the impact of the current economic and COVID-19 crisis in Lebanon, and contains a number of policy recommendations.
The Refugee Protection Watch (RPW) Coalition – an initiative between Basmeh and Zeitooneh, ALEF Act for Human Rights, PAX, 11.11.11. and Upinion – undertakes research and advocacy on protection issues facing Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the conditions for safe, voluntary, dignified and informed return inside Syria. The main findings are:
- Livelihoods: Only 4% of all surveyed respondents reported their income has remained the same since 18 March 2020;
- Food insecurity: 1 out of 5 Lebanese and Syrian households surveyed in Beirut and Tripoli/ Akkar reported eating only one meal per day. 658 out of 953 respondents (69%) of the nationwide online survey reported that they mainly need support to provide food;
- Access to aid: 97% of the respondents in Beirut, and 77% of those in Tripoli/ Akkar reported that they have not benefited from assistance distributed by UN agencies or other NGOs;
- Access to education: 50 and 55% of Syrian respondents in Beirut and Tripoli/Akkar reported that the school-aged children in their households have not attended school over the past 6 months;
- Social tensions: 63% of respondents in the nationwide online survey indicated that social tensions have increased in their community, mainly because of the financial crisis and the competition for increasingly scarce jobs, and a rise in discrimination.
- Prospects: Less than 2% of 436 Syrian and Palestinian Refugees from Syria (PRS) respondents in the nationwide online survey indicated they are planning to return to Syria in the coming 6 months.
