Lebanon remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita and per square kilometre in the world, with the Government estimation of 1.5 million Syrian refugees and some 13,715 refugees of other nationalities. With the country facing its worst socio-economic crisis in decades, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Beirut blast in 2020, vulnerable populations have been deeply affected by a sharp increase in poverty, gaps in critical supply chains and limitations on access to food, healthcare, education and other basic services.
As a consequence, it is estimated that more than half the Lebanese population is living below the poverty line. For refugees, nine out of ten Syrian refugees are living in extreme poverty, according to the 2021 Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon.
The deep economic crisis in Lebanon has exacerbated the situation of both Lebanese and refugees. Like all communities in Lebanon, refugees are deeply affected by the compounded crises and critical situation affecting the country and are making difficult choices to survive every single day, including skipping meals, not seeking urgent medical treatment, and sending children to work in-stead of school.
UNHCR works closely with the Government of Lebanon and numerous other national and international partners in providing protection and assistance to refugees and host communities, as well as stateless persons.