2020 Syria Regional Appeal - Lebanon - Livelihoods

There are a number of broad challenges affecting the livelihoods of Palestine refugees in Lebanon, especially PRS. While work and property restrictions apply to PRL, PRS?s precarious legal situation further restricts their access to employment. In addition, the ongoing presence of nearly one million Syrian refugees exacerbates the situation, negatively impacting an already strained labour market and creating competition between PRL, PRS, Syrian refugees and Lebanese jobseekers for a limited number of available positions. While the unemployment rate among PRL was comparable to the Lebanese rate of eight per cent in both 2010 and 2012, it increased to 21 per cent for males and 32 per cent for females in 2015. The unemployment rate among PRS is even higher, standing at 52.5 per cent. Youth between 15 and 24 years of age, representing 20-25 per cent of the overall Palestine refugee population, are the most disadvantaged: 36 per cent of young PRL and 57 per cent of young PRS are reported to be unemployed. As a result, Palestine refugee youth are also those most affected by poverty, with 70 per cent of PRL youth and 90 per cent of PRS youth living in poverty. Increasing access to livelihood and employment opportunities? especially for PRS youth ? is, therefore, vital and remains a key priority under this appeal. In line with its youth strategy, the Agency?s youth unit will continue to support PRS and PRL youth with employment support services to improve their access to livelihoods and allow them to live in dignity.