MERATH

Nine years into the Syrian crisis, there are still 6.2 million internally displaced people in Syria and 5.7 million Syrian refugees worldwide, and the few who have returned to their places of origin usually remain very vulnerable. In Lebanon, most refugees are still hesitant to go back, and 2019 saw a 5% increase in both general poverty and debt levels, with 73% of refugee households living below the poverty line and nearly 93% of households in debt. The unprecedented economic crisis in Lebanon and Syria is also generating increasing vulnerability of everyone living in Lebanon – community members, foreign workers, refugees alike. In this context, the assistance our faith-based partners provide remains ever-more needed and life transforming in many cases.

With its local partners, MERATH seeks to meet thousands of vulnerable households’ most basic needs, by distributing vital food assistance, much-needed winter items to help them keep warm, essential products for families, especially those with young children, and by supporting health services. Furthermore, MERATH provides high-quality non-formal education and psychosocial support in safe and protective environments to vulnerable unschooled children, through learning centers in Lebanon and child friendly spaces in Syria. Through more and more income-generating and recovery projects, local partners also help families and communities move toward a sustainable future.