CRS History in Lebanon

Catholic Relief Services operated a large country program in Lebanon from 1977 to 1992 during the Lebanese civil war, providing assistance to many villages in the south. CRS continues to support the work of Caritas Lebanon, particularly that of the Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center. With U.S. Agency for International Development funding, CRS helped Caritas Lebanon initiate its village banking program, which continues to operate.

The July 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel caused up to 1 million Lebanese to flee their homes. During this time, CRS and partners provided emergency assistance to over 100,000 Lebanese of all faiths. After the August 14 cease-fire, hundreds of thousands returned to their homes with plans to rebuild houses, communities and livelihoods. CRS supported our Lebanese partners, Caritas Lebanon and Development for People and Nature Association, in assisting these efforts.

Lebanon's recovery is still greatly hampered by ongoing political deadlock between pro-government and opposition groups. Additionally, the presence of various non-Lebanese militant groups, a recurring theme in Lebanese history, has had a destabilizing effect on the country's efforts to move forward.

These factors have worsened Lebanon's difficult economic situation by dramatically reducing the country's once-vibrant shopping and entertainment sectors. Lack of spending in Beirut has affected businesses in the Bekaa governorate and southern Lebanon, deepening the economic crisis brought on by the summer 2006 war. Tourism accounts for approximately 20 percent of Lebanon's gross domestic product, and before the war, employed more than 200,000 people. The tourism slump, combined with wartime destruction, make economic regeneration a priority. Without employment prospects, Lebanese are leaving the country in large numbers.

In this context, CRS and our partners are working to help rebuild communities physically, socially and economically.