Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon 2016

Introduction

The Syrian refugee crisis represents one of the most significant humanitarian challenges of the 21st century. Since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Lebanon has hosted the largest number of Syrian refugees per capita in the world. By 2016, approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees were residing in Lebanon, placing an immense strain on the country's infrastructure, economy, and social services. The Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (VASyR) was conducted in 2016 to evaluate the living conditions and needs of this vulnerable population.

Background

The VASyR 2016 was a collaborative effort between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP). This comprehensive assessment aimed to identify the multidimensional vulnerabilities faced by Syrian refugees in Lebanon, track changes over time, and inform evidence-based humanitarian response planning.

The assessment built on previous vulnerability studies conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2015, providing a valuable longitudinal perspective on the evolving challenges faced by Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The findings from VASyR 2016 served as a critical tool for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and aid workers to target their interventions to the most vulnerable individuals and households.

Methodology

The VASyR 2016 employed a multi-stage cluster sampling methodology, covering all Syrian refugee households registered with UNHCR across Lebanon. A total of 4,500 households were interviewed, representing approximately 22,500 individuals. The survey was conducted in all governorates of Lebanon, including Akkar, Baalbek-El Hermel, Beirut, Beqaa, El Batroun, El Koura, El Meten, Nabatieh, South Lebanon, and Tripoli.

The assessment examined a range of vulnerability indicators including food security, health, education, shelter, livelihoods, protection, and access to basic services. The data collection process adhered to international ethical standards, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of vulnerable respondents.

Demographic Profile of Syrian Refugees

According to VASyR 2016, the demographic profile of Syrian refugees in Lebanon revealed several notable characteristics:

These demographic factors had significant implications for the vulnerability profile of Syrian refugees, as female-headed households, households with many dependents, and those caring for persons with disabilities typically faced greater challenges in meeting their basic needs.

Key Findings

The VASyR 2016 revealed a deeply concerning picture of the vulnerability of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The most significant findings across various sectors included:

Food Security

Food insecurity remained a critical concern for Syrian refugees in 2016:

• 70% of households were food insecure, with 36% falling into the severely food insecure category
• The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) indicated a deterioration in food security compared to 2015
• Coping strategies such as reducing meal portions, skipping meals, and relying on less expensive, less nutritious foods were widespread
• 45% of households reported running out of food and not having money to buy more

Health

Access to healthcare continued to be a major challenge for Syrian refugees:

• 52% of refugee households had at least one member with a chronic health condition
• Only 31% of refugees with chronic diseases reported regular access to necessary medication
• 35% of households reported a member needing medical treatment but being unable to access it due to costs
• Nearly one-third of deliveries occurred without medical assistance
• Psychological distress was prevalent, with 65% of surveyed individuals reporting significant psychological symptoms

Education

Educational attainment among refugee children continued to decline:

• 44% of school-age children (6-14 years) were out of school
• Barriers to education included transportation costs, child labor, early marriage, bullying, and administrative requirements
• Adolescents faced particularly high dropout rates, with only 13% of those aged 15-17 attending any form of education
• Limited capacity in Lebanese public schools remained a significant constraint

Shelter and Living Conditions

The housing situation of Syrian refugees showed signs of deterioration:

• 34% of households resided in non-permanent structures, including makeshift shelters, tents, or garages
• Overcrowding was common, with an average of 5.5 persons per room
• 46% of shelters reported leaks during rain, and 32% lacked proper ventilation
• Only 59% of households had access to improved sanitation facilities
• Energized electricity was accessible to only 29% of households, with most relying on expensive and informal arrangements

Livelihoods and Economic Vulnerability

The economic situation of Syrian refugees remained precarious:

• 71% of households lived below the survival expenditure line ($3.84 per person per day)
• Only 23% of working-age refugees reported having any form of legal employment
• Circular debt (owing money while also being owed money) affected 88% of households
• Average monthly household expenditure exceeded income by approximately $65
• Child labor affected 7% of children aged 5-17, with higher rates among boys and adolescents

Vulnerability Indicators

The VASyR 2016 established a multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI) that combined various indicators to assess overall household vulnerability. The index considered factors such as food security, health access, shelter adequacy, debt levels, and legal status.

Vulnerability Level	Percentage of Households
Acute Vulnerability	12%
High Vulnerability	31%
Medium Vulnerability	42%
Low Vulnerability	15%

The assessment identified specific risk factors associated with higher vulnerability, including female-headed households, families with larger numbers of dependents, households with disabled or chronically ill members, and those lacking legal residency status.

Regional Variations

The VASyR 2016 highlighted significant regional variations in vulnerability across Lebanon:

• Bekaa Valley: Highest levels of food insecurity and inadequate shelter, particularly among refugees living in informal tented settlements
• North Lebanon (Akkar, Tripoli): Pronounced economic vulnerabilities and limited access to healthcare services
• South Lebanon: Better shelter conditions but increased food insecurity and higher education costs
• Mount Lebanon and Beirut: Higher living costs and housing challenges despite better infrastructure

Protection Concerns

The assessment revealed various protection concerns affecting Syrian refugees:

• 42% of households experienced at least one protection incident in the six months prior to the survey
• Reported incidents included harassment, physical assault, verbal abuse, and discrimination
• Domestic violence was reported by 11% of households
• Early marriage affected 6% of adolescent girls aged 15-17
• Legal status issues created significant barriers to freedom of movement and access to services

Response and Recommendations

Based on the findings of VASyR 2016, humanitarian actors developed targeted response strategies to address the multifaceted needs of Syrian refugees:

Conclusion

The Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon 2016 painted a stark picture of a population facing profound and worsening humanitarian challenges. The assessment revealed deepening vulnerabilities across all sectors, with particularly concerning trends in food security, health access, and economic well-being.

The multidimensional nature of these vulnerabilities required integrated response strategies addressing both immediate needs and underlying drivers of poverty and exclusion. The findings underscored the importance of targeted, evidence-based humanitarian assistance reaching the most vulnerable households, particularly female-headed households, families with members with disabilities, and those with special protection needs.

As one of the largest per capita refugee-hosting countries in the world, Lebanon continued to face significant challenges in meeting the needs of Syrian refugees while maintaining its own stability and development. The VASyR 2016 findings emphasized the critical importance of sustained international support for both refugees and host communities, as well as the need for durable solutions to the protracted refugee crisis.

References

1. UNHCR, UNICEF, & WFP. (2016). Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (VASyR 2016). Beirut: United Nations.
2. UNHCR. (2016). Lebanon: Syrian Regional Refugee Response. Geneva: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
3. UNHCR. (2016). Syria Regional Refugee Response Inter-Agency Coordination Information Portal. Geneva: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
4. Government of Lebanon & UNHCR. (2016). Lebanon Crisis Response Plan 2016-2017. Beirut: Government of Lebanon.
5. World Bank. (2016). The Economic Impact of the Syrian Conflict and Refugee Influx on Neighboring Countries: An Overview. Washington, DC: World Bank Group.