16 \ outline ofUNRWA protection initiatives © Alaa Ghosheh/ archives 4.3. Lebanon Field Approximately 425,000 refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with over 50% living in refugee camps. Palestine refugees in Lebanon do not enjoy full respect of several basic socio-economic rights, including continued restricted access to the labour market, despite the amended legislation that was passed by Lebanese parliament in August 2010. High poverty rates are a major concern. The refugees also suffer from lack of security and rule of law in the camps, and prevalence of violence in schools and homes. A category of Palestinians in Lebanon who do not hold the identification card for Palestinian refugees issued by the Lebanese authorities (generally referred to as non-IDs) are particularly disadvantaged. Lebanon field office will focus its protection within the following areas: • • • • • Socio-economic rights – continuing to advocate for full implementation of the right to work and other socio-economic rights Child protection and violence against women - enhancing prevention of violence against women and children. Access to justice – providing legal support to help Palestine refugees improve their access to socio-economic rights. Recognition of non-ID refugees – continuing to work with the relevant authorities to provide legal status for this vulnerable group of refugees. Governance – continuing to participate in the joint UN-project in the North aimed at improving the capacity of the Popular Committees, particularly in regard to conflict • resolution methods, participation and inclusion development. Protection for disabled – provision of support to two community based early intervention centres. 4.3.1. Lebanon Field key protection initiatives Prevention of and support to victims of Gender Based Violence The incidence of GBV, including domestic violence and child sexual abuse amongst the refugee community in Lebanon is significant. At the same time, UNRWA has realised that there is a lack of functioning mechanisms to identify persons vulnerable to GBV. There is also an inadequate referral system. UNRWA will: • • • Build the capacity of its social workers, and other relevant staff, to detect and provide support to persons vulnerable to GBV; Build a reliable data base to enable reporting on the issue; Establishing a well-functioning referral system. This initiative will contribute to HDG 1 A long and healthy life HDG 4 Human rights enjoyed to the fullest extent possible. More specifically to strategic objectives 2 and 12 : • • Protect and promote family health; Ensure service delivery meets the protection needs of beneficiaries, including vulnerable groups. Based on the experiences from the pilot project in Tyre, UNRWA hopes to expand its activities on GBV to other areas of Lebanon.