The Centre for Social Sciences Research and Action

The infographic [Shrinking space, constraints, and fragmentation: Lebanon CSOs civic & operational space during the lockdown of January-March2021] provides an overview of civic space and CSOs operational space in Lebanon during the Covid 19 related lockdown and state of emergency between January and March 2021. It shows that, although local civil society organisations and initiatives are the main responders on the ground, they have faced many limitations and restrictions, which have affected their impact. Data shows that interventions have overlooked some regions and specific groups. It also sheds light on the main restrictions faced by CSOs, as well as main recommendations suggested by respondents in order to circumvent challenges, such as enhanced coordination among CSOs. Ultimately, survey data invites us to question the role of CSOs in the country limited to implementation, without addressing more structural factors, such as the role of the state as a duty-bearer, or the aid economy at large and international donors as key players in shaping national operational spaces.
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