UNHCR Lebanon’s prioritization is aimed at achieving progress towards the objectives set out in the operations’ protection and solutions strategy, which is built on UNHCR’s Global Strategic Priorities, the Global Compact on Refugees and the CRRF, the 2030 Agenda and aligned with the LCRP. The feedback, views and recommendations shared by refugees of different ages, gender and backgrounds through daily two-way communication channels, ongoing protection monitoring, and thematic surveys is a starting point for the prioritisation.
In a deteriorating socioeconomic context with rising tensions, where an increasing number of refugees, Lebanese and migrant workers struggle for their daily survival, it remains key to address vulnerabilities and strengthen refugees’ resilience against exploitation and other harm, and to engage to support host communities to preserve hospitality and a dignified protection space. Evidence-based advocacy in support of policies that respect and protect the right of refugees and their ability to preserve their dignity and develop their human capital will underpin all interventions and programs. The protection of the most vulnerable refugees will be addressed in a holistic, multisectoral manner, through targeted programs and interventions that mutually reinforce each other. UNHCR will continue prioritizing protection against refoulement and coerced returns, registration-related activities, access to legal residency and civil documentation, GBV prevention and response and child protection, as well as psycho-social support - both remotely and in-person. For the most vulnerable, UNHCR will prioritize cash-based interventions, health and shelter support. In parallel, UNHCR will redouble its efforts to enable refugees to attain solutions.
Prioritised activities towards the objectives are:
- Access to Protection:
UNHCR will prioritise advocacy and interventions to ensure protection against refoulement including through the application of procedural safeguards in deportation proceedings and the adoption of an inclusive fee waiver for obtaining temporary legal residency. Other prioritised activities include: continuous registration and updating of records to ensure that integrity and quality of data is maintained; data analysis and the safeguarding of civil records; supporting access to civil status documentation, notably birth, marriage and death registration, through the provision of legal and practical aid and institutional support to the GSO and PSD.
- Dignity in Exile:
UNHCR will prioritise advocacy for inclusive access to social protection, including basic services and an expansion of the safety net to cover all households below the extreme poverty line, including in anticipation of subsidy withdrawal. Prioritised programme activities include: child protection through strengthened case management capacity and quality of services, and interventions for refugee children in detention; support to GBV survivors including through case referrals and management; case management services for persons with specific needs and supporting their access to services; mental health and psychosocial support; multipurpose cash assistance to refugees below the survival minimum expenditure baskets (SMEB), and protection cash assistance coupled with individual case management for refugees facing serious protection incidents; emergency cash assistance and core relief items (CRIs) to refugees facing shocks like extreme weather conditions; subsidisation of secondary health care (hospitalizations and life-saving referrals and deliveries); community based support to school enrolment and retention; emergency shelter support and site improvements in settlements in a critical state.
- Secure Continued Hospitality:
UNHCR will prioritise awareness raising and evidence-based external communication to foster a positive dialogue. Promoting increased support for vulnerable Lebanese, and projects to mitigate the impact of the refugee presence on basic services and local infrastructure will be a priority to mitigate tensions. The WASH and environmental interventions possible within the limited resources will be targeted to support refugee hosting communities. Continued expansions of hospital capacity, including the provision of beds and intensive care units (ICUs) within the COVID-19 response will benefit Lebanese and refugees alike, and help prevent competition for care.
- Realize Solutions :
UNHCR will advocate for increased resettlement quotas and submit at least 8,000 Syrian refugees for third country resettlement in 2021, based on expected quota allocations. Efforts to address obstacles to safe, voluntary and dignified returns will be further increased, while refugees deciding to return will be supported with civil documentation, information on assistance in Syria, and medical and other support.