DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Lebanon, a Levantine country in West Asia, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to its culture despite experiencing conflict more than 16 times in its history. Lebanese citizens take great pride in their national identity. However, this spirit has not translated into an improved standard of living. Over the past decade, poverty in Lebanon has more than tripled, affecting 44% of the population. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of poverty, authorities increasingly use multidimensional poverty measures that consider education, monetary situation and access to infrastructure and basic services. Currently, 82% of Lebanese live in multidimensional poverty, with 34% facing extreme conditions. Despite these challenges, initiatives like Beit el Baraka have made significant strides in combating these ongoing issues.
Historical and Structural Causes of Poverty in Lebanon
Poverty in Lebanon has complex and deep-seated origins. The civil war from 1975 until the early 1990s inflicted severe damage on Lebanese homes, infrastructure and society, resulting in an estimated $25 billion in property damages and displacing 1 million people. The post-war reconstruction efforts plunged Lebanon into severe debt, making it difficult to provide for its citizens.
Currently, about 20% of the population is unemployed and those who are employed often receive wages that do not match job requirements. This disparity makes it challenging to cope with the high cost of living, trapping many Lebanese in a cycle of poverty. Rapid urbanization has further complicated the landscape, transitioning Beirut into a volatile mix of urban and natural environments. Additionally, a significant influx of refugees during periods of prosperity has strained the housing market, with too few homes available for the population. This shortage is projected to lead to water scarcity, further exacerbating multidimensional poverty in Lebanon.
The Daily Life and Challenges of the Lebanese People
In Lebanon, the deepening economic crisis exacerbates social inequalities, hitting hardest at the lower and middle-income brackets. In an interview with The Borgen Project, United Nations (U.N.) employee Vidya Singh highlighted the severe economic disparities: “The economic and political instability in Lebanon has drastically deepened inequality, with the collapse of the lira and inflation making necessities unaffordable for many.” Ongoing hostilities have worsened the situation by displacing communities, disrupting livelihoods and widening the gap between the wealthy and the vulnerable, especially in conflict-affected areas. Singh noted the stark difference in mobility between economic classes: “While the rich and resourceful have managed to leave for other places, the poor have been unable to do so.”
Pathways to Equity in Lebanon
Despite these challenges, Lebanese communities demonstrate significant resilience. Singh corrected a common misconception during her interview: “Lebanon is not entirely dysfunctional; despite the political deadlock and hostilities, many communities remain resilient.” Local initiatives and family networks play a crucial role in survival, stepping in where governmental services fail. Contrary to the belief that everyone is fleeing the country, Singh pointed out, “a significant number remain, determined to rebuild despite the ongoing challenges.”
Addressing inequality requires substantial systemic changes. Singh advocates for comprehensive reforms to tackle the root causes of disparity: “Serious reforms are needed, including combating corruption, ensuring transparency and improving public services.” She stresses that peace and stability are essential for any effective plan to succeed. “Redistributing wealth through fair taxation on the wealthy and large corporations, along with targeted international aid for vulnerable communities, can help bridge the income gap,” Singh adds. Additionally, investing in local governance and rebuilding critical social systems in conflict-affected areas is vital for creating a more equitable society.
Initiatives Addressing Poverty
Numerous poverty alleviation initiatives have emerged in Lebanon, embodying true Lebanese nationalism and striving to improve the quality of life for citizens during difficult times. Beit el Baraka, one of the successful initiatives, aims to address multidimensional poverty. Founded with the vision of creating “a Lebanon where families can live a secure, valued and respectable life,” including “access to social security, education and retirement pensions for all,” Beit el Baraka tackles various challenges. It operates free supermarkets, provides housing fixtures, offers adequate medical care, supports education, promotes agriculture and provides blast relief following the Beirut blast of 2020.
Beit el Baraka has made significant strides in poverty alleviation, refurbishing 3,011 homes across 62 areas in Lebanon and recruiting 212 volunteers. Its database currently includes 225,686 people in need and it has secured support from 25,712 donors. The mission statement of Beit el Baraka is “to ensure dignity to hard-working Lebanese citizens” by “assisting them in their struggle with the increasing cost of living.” The emphasis on dignity and hard work underscores their commitment not just to provide temporary relief but to offer sustainable support that persists as Lebanon continues to progress.
Looking Ahead
Lebanon, a multifaceted country, confronts various challenges, with rampant poverty at the forefront. Despite these hardships, the Lebanese spirit and resilience often go underestimated. While the situation remains difficult, initiatives like Beit al Baraka play a crucial role in alleviating these issues. Experts suggest exploring wealth redistribution through taxation to ensure all Lebanese have a fair chance at life.
– Disheta Anand
Disheta is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.
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