1. Protection (Child Protection / SGBV)
Due to their irregular residency status, and as a consequence, their self-imposed reduction of movements, refugees continue to face difficulties in accessing legal counselling and assistance services provided by partners. As such, partners have increased mobile outreach services by providing legal counselling including on legal residency renewal and birth and marriage documentation. Also, in the Bekaa, a mobile Sharia court was piloted by a Protection Sector partner for marriage registration and establishment of kinship (required for birth registration), which has helped address the documentation needs of refugees; a total of 20 cases benefited from this exercise. The mobile Sharia court has proven to be an effective mechanism in reaching out to individuals who are unable to move freely due to lack of residency permits.
170 newly elected Mukhtars benefited from partner-run workshops to understand better their role with respect to the issuance of birth and marriage certificates for refugees and the specific obstacles that the latter face. Mukhtars made several recommendations, with respect to the fees attached to the issuing of civil documentation and additional support they may require to perform their duties efficiently.
New Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) on SGBV Prevention and Response in Lebanon have been rolled-out in Lebanon. The SOPs illustrate how protection partners must coordinate referrals of SGBV survivors to ensure safe, timely, and appropriate (survivors-centered) interventions, including legal, medical assistance and emotional support. Main survivors of violence involve cases of domestic violence, including sexual abuse, as well as early and forced marriages. SGBV prevention measures will include the mobilization of religious and community leaders to promote protection of women and girls and to speak out against SGBV. This includes informing them about the health-related risks related to early pregnancy, the limitations that such marriages have on girls’ access to education and other potential risks related to domestic violence. Through these opinion-makers, it is expected that refugees will have a better understanding of the risks associated with early marriage.
Partners involved in engaging with Youth on Gender Equality and SGBV prevention celebrated the International Youth Day (IYD) on 12 August. Activities were organized around Lebanon by the Youth Peer Educators, such as a painting exhibition in Chouf area, street performances in Saida and peer-to-peer sensitization activities in Jezzine. The activities provided an opportunity for Syrian refugee and Lebanese youth to socialize with one another, helping to break any barriers, while promoting tolerance and social stability. Efforts have continued in capacitating MoSA Social Development Centres for effective child protection prevention and response services. From January to July 2016, 150,805 children and caregivers have been sensitized on child protection and psycho-social support. 89,012 girls and boys have benefitted from structured PSS and life skills programs, and high-risk children have received focused PSS programs.