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In the wake of the escalating conflict, Lebanon is facing one of its most challenging social and economic challenges. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced within the country, representing roughly 20% of the entire population. Thus, this large-scale displacement spans multiple regions, with families forced to migrate from high-risk areas near southern Lebanon, border zones, the Bekaa Valley and suburbs of Beirut. These communities are seeking safety in more central locations. Therefore, they're relocating to safer urban centers and rural areas in the north, creating immense pressure on local resources and infrastructure. To shed more light about their living conditions, many displaced people are currently sheltering in temporary accommodations, including community centers, schools, and unfinished buildings.
Amid this urgent need, arcenciel—a longtime partner of Swisscontact—is mobilizing its resources to deliver essential aid to these internally displaced people (IDPs). Previously, Swisscontact and arcenciel’s partnership established a textile sorting facility and worked on an initiative under the name of “Re-suit” for recycling and upcycling clothing and various textiles. Right now, this sorting facility became instrumental in allowing arcenciel to rapidly process donations. Through this collaboration, arcenciel has been able to meet the clothing needs of thousands of displaced individuals, bringing dignity and relief to some of Lebanon’s most vulnerable communities.
A core component of supporting Lebanon's internally displaced people for arcemciel is distributing of essential clothing. Since the beginning of this crisis, arcenciel has provided over 18,000 items of clothing to displaced individuals across the country. This support is crucial as many have left their homes with only the bare minimum. Considering that the winter season is approaching, these donations are a lifeline.
Swisscontact’s collaboration with arcenciel has laid the foundation for this swift response. Through the Tafawoq project, and under the initiative "Re-suit", Swisscontact helped establish a textile sorting facility within arcenciel. This initiative is now streamlining the organization’s ability to manage donations and rapidly provide clothing where it is most needed.
Beyond clothing, arcenciel is delivering vital supplies to displaced families. To date, they have distributed over 4,000 hot meals and 5,000 hygiene products. They are also prioritizing aid to individuals with disabilities, providing assistive devices like walkers, beds, and wheelchairs. This way, arcenciel ensures that these individuals have the tools needed to navigate their daily lives with dignity.
Swisscontact stands in solidarity with arcenciel, proud of our shared values and our initiatives that have contributed to Lebanon’s resilience. As arcenciel provides immediate relief they’re reminding us that every action taken to support the displaced is a step toward rebuilding hope.
The initiative “Re-suit” is part of the Tafawoq project, which is financed by the Leopold Bachmann Foundation, among other donors. This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.