Lebanon
HI’s work in Lebanon improves the living conditions of people with disabilities and individuals experiencing extreme hardship. HI has rolled out emergency projects aimed at Syrian refugees who have fled conflict and conducts clearance operations in areas contaminated by explosive ordnances during the civil war.
Ahlam, a young refugee from Syria living in a displaced persons camp, lost her leg after a bombing. | © Elias Saade / HI
Our actions
Humanity & Inclusion's local teams are responding to the current emergency in Lebanon. With your help, civilians with disabilities and new injuries will receive immediate and long-term support. Donate today.
Humanity & Inclusion started its operations in Lebanon in 1992, focusing on the provision of rehabilitation services in the Palestinian refugee camps and mental health programs. The association also promotes the rights of people with disabilities. HI has also provided emergency assistance to respond to the crises that have rocked the country and the region.
Since 2011, HI has been supporting Syrian refugees and the Lebanese community affected by the war in Syria. HI ensures that people with disabilities receive appropriate rehabilitation care, assistive devices and psychosocial support.
The association supports the inclusion of people with disabilities in Lebanese society and promotes their access to basic services including education and healthcare. HI improves the inclusion of children with disability in mainstream schools.
In the past 10 years, HI contributed to the clearance operations in northern Lebanon, following the Lebanese civil war in the 80s: HI is presently carrying out mine clearance operations in Mount Lebanon and risk education in the Bekaa region. The northern governorate has been recently declared free of mines.
HI also trains humanitarian workers of fellow organizations to better include people with disabilities in their programs.
Areas of intervention
Latest stories
HI's team members displaced by bombing in Lebanon
Half of Humanity & Inclusion's 87 staff in Lebanon are displaced by bombing. Three HI team members share their personal experiences.
Massive airstrikes in Lebanon kill and injure hundreds
Massive bombing creates panic and escalates the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
HI supports Hayat and her sister
Hayat, 63 years old, was born with cerebral palsy. Her life has been harder since she was forced to flee the attacks on her village in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel.
a life
Background
Lebanon is deeply affected by an economic crisis, which was aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 50% of the population currently lives under the poverty line.
Lebanon continues to welcome 1 million refugees who have fled the war in Syria. The country is also home to a large community of Palestinian refugees, mainly living in informal camps. These refugees find it particularly difficult to access basic services like health and education. People with disabilities, particularly in rural and isolated areas, are often overlooked by humanitarian actors. These populations are increasingly experiencing vulnerability.
As a result of several decades of intermittent conflict, weapons clearance efforts continue. The population continues to be affected by mines and explosive remnants of war, with some victims requiring life-long assistance to live with their injuries.
Number of HI staff members: 45
Date the program opened: 1992
