311,098

This report summarises the findings of Amel Association International’s recent Rapid Needs Assessment survey, which took place in May 2013 around Beirut and its suburbs. The report makes recommendations based on the survey findings relevant to Amel Association International’s Haret Hreik community centre, which is undergoing expansion into a multi-function centre with capacity to provide both educational and healthcare services.

South Beirut, April 2013

The assessment was conducted between September and December 2014 at a time when the legal and protection situation for refugees was in flux. Recent changes in Lebanese law regarding entry and stay for Syrian nationals and Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) have further complicated an already restrictive environment for refugees in Lebanon. New entry regulations which came into force on 5 January 2015 have significantly restricted the number of refugees who are able to enter Lebanon, effectively closing the borders for those seeking protection from armed conflict, violence or persecution. From the assessment findings in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, prioritization of legal stay was found to be important to refugees from Syria despite the challenges. From those refugees interviewed, 85% had legal stay at the time of the assessment. For those who did not have legal stay, the main consequences of not having a valid residency visa included lack of freedom of movement (including associated risks of arrest, detention or departure orders), limited access to livelihoods, and restricted access to basic services (particularly health care).

Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Beirut, December 19th, 2012 at 10.00 am