Lebanon’s crisis since 2019 has severely impacted safety and security, with economic collapse and the Beirut blast heightening vulnerability. Recent surveys reveal rising safety concerns across various demographics, particularly among women and Palestinian refugees. This research explores the nuances of these concerns and the impact of inadequate humanitarian assistance. A multi-sectoral approach is necessary to address root causes and improve security in affected communities.
Since 2019, Lebanon has experienced a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis, which has significantly undermined safety and security nationwide. This crisis, exacerbated by the catastrophic Beirut blast in August 2020 and a deteriorating healthcare system, has caused over half the population to fall into poverty. The resulting challenges affect all residents, regardless of nationality or background, leading to increased incidents of theft, domestic disputes, and community tensions.
The 2023 Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment (MSNA) reveals discernible shifts in safety concerns among various demographics in Lebanon. Among Lebanese households, the percentage of women facing safety and security issues rose to 23% in 2024, while concerns for men increased to 25%. Palestinian refugee households reported even higher rates, with 51% of respondents expressing concerns for men, up from 37% in 2022, and women’s concerns rising from 37% to 56% in the same timeframe.
Specific safety concerns differ between demographic groups, highlighting robbery, kidnapping risks for women and girls in Palestinian refugee households, and sexual harassment among Lebanese. For men, robbery remains the primary safety issue. While quantitative data indicates trends in safety concerns, it is inadequate in capturing the nuanced experiences of affected individuals, which this research aims to address.
This study seeks to examine the drivers of safety and security concerns in vulnerable communities across Lebanon. By investigating residents’ perceptions and experiences with physical hazards, the research will assess the impact of these issues on daily life. Furthermore, it aims to understand how these populations interact with humanitarian assistance, contributing to a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges.
Key messages indicate that security issues stem from economic instability, inadequate oversight, and failing public services. These factors create a cycle of insecurity that prevents vulnerable populations from accessing basic necessities and engaging in productive activities. To combat these challenges, response actors must implement a multi-sectoral approach that addresses root causes and raises public awareness.
Moreover, obstacles to aid distribution, including logistical issues and a lack of transparency, exacerbate safety and security concerns. Inequitable assistance leads to heightened vulnerability among individuals, fostering conditions that compromise their security and wellbeing. Thus, effective intervention strategies must prioritize equitable aid distribution and address underlying economic challenges.
In conclusion, the ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has resulted in increased safety and security concerns across various demographics. This situation necessitates a comprehensive approach addressing the causes of insecurity while improving humanitarian aid distribution. Understanding the lived experiences of individuals affected by these challenges is crucial in developing effective policies and interventions to enhance safety and security in Lebanon.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
