Improved Networks, Training and Jobs (INTAJ)

Mercy Corps proposes a 12-month, ₤5 million programme to address economic and resource-driven tensions by focusing on short to medium-term interventions to provide livelihood support and promote social cohesion within the most vulnerable host and refugee populations to help contribute to greater stability in Tripoli and Bekaa Valley. The two regions have distinctly different factors that contribute to tension between the groups. In Tripoli, economic and social factors such as job competition, increase in rents, food insecurity and gender-based violence drive tensions between refugee and Lebanese communities. While in Bekaa, community tensions are driven primarily by pressures on available resources and services, specifically in solid waste collection and removal, affordable shelter, water, and electricity, as well as jobs. These tensions were exacerbated in April by the forced movement of refugees from Arsal into West Bekaa by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).