After years of internal strife, the first parliamentary elections in nine years were held in 2018, after two contended extensions. One of the central issues confronting the country is the social and economic impact of the Syrian crisis. Over one million Syrians, equivalent of approximately a quarter of the Lebanese population, have taken refuge in Lebanon, and the various political factions remain sharply split over their presence in the country.
In the past, Lebanon’s civil society was vibrant, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including human rights groups, operated openly. While this remains the case for many groups, constraints have increased in recent years. Additionally, as a result of the conflict in Syria, many donors have diverted their funding to international organisations and NGOs working with refugees and to humanitarian and development aid.
EED approach and added value
- Fill the gap in the current funding environment
- Ensure flexibility and discretion to fund timely and sensitive initiatives
Examples of supported initiatives
- Initiatives promoting transparency and anti-corruption
- Organisations working on youth and women’s empowerment
- Initiatives supporting activists working with refugees
- Grassroots activities and innovative forms of civic activism
- Alternative media initiatives
