Country Facts

National Context and Background

Short political and social context: Lebanon operates as a consociational democracy, among. Lebanon has complex political system based on sectarian power-sharing among 18 officially recognized religious groups. This structure, while aiming for inclusivity, has often led to political gridlock and sectarian tensions. Decades of political instability, corruption, and external influence have weakened state institutions and fueled recurring economic crises. Socially, the country is vibrant and culturally rich, with widespread public demands for reform and accountability.

Main national challenges: Since 2019, Lebanon has faced a severe economic crisis, political instability, the collapse of public services, high unemployment, brain drain, social tensions, refugee-related pressures, and security concerns. Armed groups and external influence further complicate governance and stability.

Historical background: Since 1948, Lebanon has hosted hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees who fled following the creation of the state of Israel and subsequent Arab-Israeli wars. These refugees were settled in camps across the country, many of which still exist today under difficult living conditions and limited legal rights. Over the decades, their presence has significantly influenced Lebanon’s political, social, and economic dynamics, occasionally fueling internal tensions. The Lebanese state has largely avoided granting them citizenship, fearing disruption of the sectarian balance.

International Cooperation and Programs

Key actors: Key actors include UN agencies such as UNHCR, WFP, and UNICEF; the United States; the United Kingdom; the European Union and its member states, including Germany; and other Arab countries. Their assistance focuses on humanitarian relief, refugee support, education, health care, governance, infrastructure, and economic stabilization.

Development cooperation: In 2024, UN and NGO implementing partners received approximately USD 1.646 billion, with a further USD 703.9 million committed for 2025 and beyond. The Lebanon Response Plan received approximately USD 1.023 billion (49% funding coverage), while the 2024 Flash Appeal received USD 303.22 million (71% coverage). The United States obligated approximately USD 291.9 million in foreign assistance in fiscal year 2023. The United Kingdom allocated GBP 10 million in official development assistance for 2023–2024 and announced an additional GBP 10 million humanitarian package in October 2024. The European Union pledged EUR 1 billion for 2024–2027 and provided more than EUR 100 million in humanitarian assistance in 2024. Germany committed EUR 217 million in 2023 and allocated EUR 38 million to Lebanon in October 2024 for crisis response.

Migration and Displacement (excluding Palestinian refugees)

Non-national population: 32.4%

Signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention: □ yes

Registered refugees (latest UNHCR data): 755,426 registered Syrian refugees (31 December 2024)

Arrivals of refugees: 2024: 1,500,000 2023: 1,280,000 2022: 1,306,000 2021: 1,329,000 2020: 1,350,000.

Returns of refugees: 2024: 420,000 2023: 300,000 2022: 38,000 2021: 19,000 2020: 38,000.

Role in displacement: Host country

Regional displacement dynamics: Lebanon plays a central role in regional displacement dynamics as it hosts one of the largest refugee populations per capita, primarily from Syria and Palestine. The country’s geographic proximity to conflict zones, especially the Syrian civil war, has made it a key destination for displaced people seeking safety. Additionally, Lebanon’s political and economic instability, along with its sectarian balance, complicates the integration of refugees and influences regional migration trends.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs): 99,000

Reasons for internal displacement: Internal displacement in Lebanon is primarily caused by political instability, Periodic outbreaks of violence, such as the 2006 war with Israel, localized armed clashes, and more recently war 2024, and the ongoing effects of regional conflicts, particularly the Syrian civil war. Additionally, the economic crisis, social unrest, Beirut Blast and security concerns have exacerbated conditions, forcing many Lebanese citizens and refugees to flee their homes in search of safety and better living conditions.

Distribution of refugees/IDPs in the country: The distribution of refugees in Lebanon varies across regions, with significant concentrations in the North, Beqaa, Beirut, South, and Mount Lebanon. For example, in 2020, approximately 37.8% of Syrian refugees were residing in the Beqaa Valley, while around 26.5% were in the North. These distributions continue to change in response to security and economic conditions, influencing internal movements of refugees within the country.

Refugees: Legal Status and Living Conditions (excluding Palestinian refugees)

Asylum system and legal framework: Lebanon does not have a formal asylum system, and refugees are not granted legal status or rights to work, making their legal framework highly restrictive. While they are allowed to stay temporarily, their rights are limited, and they are often subjected to arbitrary detention or deportation, with little protection under the law. The living conditions of refugees in Lebanon are dire, with overcrowded settlements, poor access to healthcare and education, and limited job opportunities, contributing to widespread poverty and vulnerability.

Access to education: In Lebanon, access to education for refugees is facilitated through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s second-shift schools, which accommodate non-Lebanese children holding UNHCR certificates or valid residence permits. However, challenges persist, including overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and language barriers, as many subjects are taught in French or English, which may not align with the students‘ proficiency. Additionally, the recent escalation in hostilities has significantly disrupted education, with over 70% of public schools and other educational establishments rendered non-operational, affecting more than 500,000 students and 45,000 teachers, and leading to the closure of numerous schools.

Access to the labor market for refugees: In Lebanon, refugees face significant barriers to accessing the formal labor market due to restrictive legal frameworks and lack of work permits. Consequently, many are compelled to seek employment in the informal sector, often under exploitative conditions, without legal protections or job security.

Access to health care for refugees: Healthcare for refugees in Lebanon is severely constrained due to the country’s privatized and fragmented healthcare system, which is both expensive and inaccessible for many vulnerable populations. While international organizations like UNHCR provide subsidies for primary and emergency care, refugees often face financial barriers, discrimination, and logistical challenges that hinder their ability to obtain necessary medical services.

Housing of refugees: camps vs. urban settlements: Refugees primarily live in informal urban settlements, with about 85% of Syrian refugees residing in rented apartments, makeshift shelters, or warehouses, facing high rent, poor living conditions, and lack of legal security. While a few official camps exist, they are limited in number and often lack sufficient infrastructure and basic services, leading to significant challenges in sanitation and access to adequate shelter.

Main challenges: Refugees in Lebanon face major challenges, including widespread poverty, legal insecurity, and discrimination, which limit their access to basic services and opportunities. Additionally, the lack of legal status often forces them to work in the informal sector under exploitative conditions, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

Palestinian Refugees: Legal Status and Living Conditions

History of Palestinian refugees in the host country: Palestinian refugees began arriving in Lebanon in 1948 after the creation of Israel, with over 100,000 fleeing to Lebanon, and many were settled in refugee camps. These refugees have faced limited rights, with the Lebanese government restricting their access to employment, property ownership, and social services, which has resulted in prolonged poverty and marginalization. Over the decades, Palestinian refugees in Lebanon have remained in precarious conditions, with periodic efforts for resettlement or return failing, while their presence continues to influence Lebanon’s political and social landscape.

Palestinian population (regardless of nationality): 222,000

Palestinian population with nationality of host country: 60,000

Legal status and protection: Palestinian refugees are primarily under the protection of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and social assistance. However, they face significant legal restrictions, including limitations on employment in certain professions, property ownership, and access to public services, leaving them without full legal rights or citizenship.

Access to education: Palestinian refugees have access to education through UNRWA schools, which offer free primary and secondary education. However, many face challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and barriers to higher education due to financial constraints and legal restrictions.

Access to the labor market for refugees: Palestinian refugees in Lebanon face significant barriers to accessing the labor market due to restrictive legal frameworks and limited employment rights. While recent reforms have expanded their access to certain professions, many still encounter discrimination and limited opportunities in the formal labor market.

Access to health care for refugees: Access to healthcare for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is primarily provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which operates 27 primary health care facilities across the country. These centers offer nearly 931,000 general consultations and over 23,000 dental screenings annually, delivering essential services to registered refugees. However, challenges persist due to limited funding, leading to reduced subsidies for medications and specialized care. For instance, UNRWA’s coverage for certain medications decreased from 50% in 2020 to 25% in 2023, placing a financial burden on refugees who already face high poverty and unemployment rates.

Housing of refugees: camps vs. urban settlements: Palestinian refugees in Lebanon primarily live in overcrowded and under-resourced refugee camps, which are managed by UNRWA but often lack adequate infrastructure, sanitation, and security. In contrast, many refugees also live in urban settlements, where they face high rents, poor housing conditions, and legal barriers, contributing to a cycle of poverty and vulnerability in both settings.

Main challenges: Palestinian refugees in Lebanon face significant challenges, including extreme poverty, limited access to employment, and legal insecurity, as they are denied the right to own property and work in many sectors. Additionally, they experience widespread discrimination and social exclusion, which exacerbates their vulnerability and limits their opportunities for social integration.

Additional relevant information on Palestinian refugees: UNRWA in Lebanon manages: Education: – 65 schools with approximately 36,960students. – Operates a vocational training center that serves a total of 1,143 students. Health: – 27 health care facilities, serving around 931,000 people annually. – Conducts over 23,000 consultations for oral and dental health screenings.