19-017-SP Alert on Syrian Refugee Crisis in Lebanon (Fund Not Activated)

The Syrian civil war has just entered its ninth year – a war which has caused 6 million people to become internally displaced, while another 5 million refugees have fled the country. The UNHCR reports that 924,161 officially registered refugees have settled in Lebanon as of August 1, 2019, while unofficial estimates are closer to 1.5 million. Lebanon is thus hosting the highest number of refugees per capita in the world, which has significantly impacted Lebanon’s social and economic growth, caused deepening poverty and humanitarian needs, and exacerbated pre-existing development constraints in the country. Displaced Syrian households and Palestinian refugees from Syria are suffering from the protracted displacement, poverty and deteriorating dwelling conditions, while dealing with issues in regard to legal residency, shelter conditions and lack of access to educational and health facilities. Moreover, increasing pressure from the Lebanese government in the form of deportations, work restrictions and housing regulations, is exacerbating the crisis.