Lebanon

© S.Freedman/Handicap International

Handicap International has been present in Lebanon since 1992. The country has experienced a long peroid of conflict that has had a lasting effect on the economy and the living conditions of vulnerable groups, including Palestinian refugees.

We have been especially active in Lebanon since 2006, when an extremely violent conflict broke out between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in the south of the country. Handicap International provides assistance to groups most severely affected by the war and works with several local organisations that provide rehabilitation services and assistance to people with disabilities.

Between 2007 and 2010, we participated in clearance of zones contaminated by cluster munitions in South Lebanon (Tyre) and by explosive remnants of war in the Nahr el Bared Palestinian camp. We alsoo provide psychological assistance to children and adolescents in the Palestinian refugee camps.

Since 2010, Handicap International is the only NGO carrying out humanitarian demining in North Lebanon, in areas containing landmines left over from the civil war.

Key Facts - Lebanon

• Population: 4.3 million
• Household Consumption: $6,689 per year
• Life Expectancy: 72 years
• Human Development: not available
_{Source: UNDP HDR 2011}

Our projects

	Mine clearance Since the end of 2010, Handicap International has been the sole demining operator in Northern Lebanon, operating two manual demining teams. These demining operations are allowing the development of new socio-economic activities that benefit local communities. The recent clearance of contaminated land has allowed infrastructure to be rebuilt, such as the enlargement of a road, the repair of a bridge and the improvement of the local electricity grid.
	Development of services for people with disabilities A project in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon involving training professionals, the implementation of referral system and creating community focal points for people with disabilities.
	Psychosocial and psychological support Providing psychotherapeutic support for Palestinian children and teenagers in Lebnon. The project involved training health professionals in identifying psychological and psychiatric disorders as well as organising social activities for children in the centres.