MARGINALIZED BORDERS Despite their different dynamics, both border regions are similarly marginalized. Residents, whether stateless or not, lack access to employment and to a decent livelihood. Fig 11. Average income in LBP 732,500 467,435 375,650 Wadi Khaled Stateless 272,517 Sahel Non-Stateless • The population of Wadi Khaled appears largely marginalized and disconnected from Lebanon. Vulnerability is not exclusive to stateless, as local citizens also feel deprived of their basic rights. • Due to the state’s constant absence and lack of development opportunities, neighboring Syria has always constituted a logical gateway for livelihoods, especially toward Homs. • Both of the border regions are marginalized and deprived. The personal average income of both regions is below the minimum wage except for the non-stateless living in Sahel Akkar. • Moreover, the majority of the Lebanese and stateless respondents in both regions are currently unemployed (62%). The proportion of unemployed stateless rises to 69% in Sahel Akkar, compared to 42% for Lebanese. “ Fig 12. Are you currently working? 69% 62% 31% 38% Sahel Akkar Wadi Khaled Yes No In the 80s, stateless persons from Wadi Khaled considered the Lebanese nationality a useless piece of paper. It was easier to receive all necessary needs and goods from Syria, simply by using our ta’arif card to cross borders. If we faced any problem, the solution was to bribe Syrian intelligence officers in order to enter Syria. - Lebanese man, Wadi Khaled, March 20 © 2021 Siren Associates. All Rights Reserved.