81286039-Implementation of measures to strenghten peaceful coexistence in refugee hosting communities in four municipalites in Lebanon

The Peaceful Coexistence in Refugee Hosting Communities in Lebanon project (PCL) of seeks to improve peaceful coexistence between Syrian refugees and the host community in 10 municipalities in North Lebanon and Akkar. The approach includes needs analysis, competence and capacity building, participatory processes and local initiatives. The project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The situation in Lebanon is characterized by a structural economic and financial crisis with a dramatic devaluation of the local currency, the effects of Covid-related restrictions and the explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020 and dysfunctional government structures. In the context of the Syrian crisis, Lebanon has taken in large numbers of Syrian refugees. As of January 2022, 839,788 Syrian refugees were officially registered with UNHCR. The actual number is estimated at around 1,500,000. Nine out of ten Syrian refugee families live in extreme poverty. The proportion of the Lebanese population living in poverty has almost tripled since 2018 and is now estimated at 78%. Resource conflicts and the overarching concern for a sufficient livelihood have a lasting negative impact on the relations between Syrian refugees and the host population and lead to an increase in social tensions. Support to contribute to peaceful coexistence between Syrian refugees and host communities is urgently required.