Solidarity Initiatives in Lebanon: Data Iteration 2, January-March 2021. Focus on CSOs space during lockdown.

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.  

Data was collected by Lebanon Support between 23 January to 4 March 2021, based on a survey of 119 civil society organisations and initiatives. It is the 2nd iteration of a mapping on solidarity initiatives in Lebanon following the Beirut’s blast on 4 August 2020.
The mapping and infographic are developed in partnership with the Fondation de France.

You can view the infographic here