Lebanon
CRS in Lebanon
The multi-religious character of Lebanese society and the prominent role of Christians in all aspects of the country's life make Lebanon culturally unique in the Arab world. Commenting on the long but often troubled history of coexistence among the country's Christians, Sunni and Shia Muslims, and Druzes, Pope John Paul II said, "Lebanon is more than a country. Lebanon is a message!"
Lebanon is today the country with the world’s highest concentration of refugees per capita. Lebanon did not set up formal camps for the refugees. Most are therefore scattered across the country, living in precarious conditions in informal tented settlements or dilapidated buildings in the poorest neighborhoods.
Partnering with the strongly-rooted Caritas Lebanon and also with religious congregations and interfaith organizations, CRS is working in Lebanon to address the growing needs of the massive refugee population, vulnerable Lebanese and migrant workers.
CRS also works to advance interfaith collaboration and coexistence and to strengthen local community and faith-based organizations in Lebanon and other countries in the region.
Stats
People Served: 2,345,675
Population: 5,364,482
Size: 4,015 sq mi (10,400 sq km) features the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, the Bekaa Valley and Lebanon Mountains
Our Partners
Become a PartnerCountry News and Stories
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December 23, 2024
Lebanese School Welcomes Syrian Refugees
Run by the Good Shepherd Sisters, classes in Deir al Ahmar, Lebanon, are a boon to children and parents who escaped war that took everything but their lives.
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December 20, 2024
Fostering Education and Community in Lebanon
A Good Shepherd Sisters-run center provides a space where Syrian and Lebanese children learn together and working moms find career opportunities.
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December 6, 2024
Safe Haven for Abused Women in Lebanon
One woman’s desperate migrant experience inspired her mission to create a refuge offering help and hope to others who’ve endured similar trauma.
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December 6, 2024
Shelter in Beirut for Families Fleeing War
Families displaced by war receive food, water and hygiene kits while coping with trauma and uncertainty.
CRS' History in Lebanon
Throughout Lebanon's long civil war and under very difficult circumstances, Catholic Relief Services provided humanitarian assistance and reconstructed war-damaged infrastructure on a non-sectarian basis. CRS' regional office for Europe and the Middle East was relocated to Beirut in 2004. We re-established a Lebanon country program office during the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, assisting more than 250,000 war-displaced people.
Following the ceasefire, CRS and local Church partners invested significant resources to rebuild livelihoods, public buildings and community infrastructure. Since then, CRS has focused on strengthening our Lebanese partner organizations and promoting interfaith collaboration and civic participation.
Most recently, CRS has responded to the Syrian refugee crisis. Living without sufficient income and often in overcrowded homes and tents with relatives, many Syrian refugees struggle to maintain safe and healthy homes. We work with many organizations, including Caritas, to meet these humanitarian needs with various types of assistance, including food, non-food items, hygiene kits, etc. Mobile health clinics have also been dispatched to areas where there is a large refugee population.
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2023 Operating Expenses
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Catholic Relief Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; Donations to CRS are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable under the law.
Catholic Relief Services eases suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.
We are the official overseas relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of Caritas Internationalis.