DOM STATELESSNESS: MARGINALS AMONG MARGINALS The research found that Dom statelessness has distinct characteristics with its own specific dynamics, requiring special attention with adequate and targeted solutions. The Dom people, Indo-Iranian nomadic tribes who migrated to the Levant centuries ago, have settled in various regions of Lebanon. The research found that Beirut and Mount Lebanon are home to at least 1,236 stateless individuals of Dom origin, residing in Sabra, Horch, Hay el Gharbi, and Iqlim el Kharroub. These Dom stateless individuals make up 40% of the total stateless population identified in the study. Notably, these numbers are significantly higher than those in Akkar, where the Dom account for 24% of the total stateless population. While only a few still live in tents in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, over half of them reside in substandard housing scattered throughout informal settlements. The Dom people often face negative perceptions from society and are derogatorily referred to as “Nawar” or “Ghajar”. They live on the fringes of society, maintaining their own customs and language. Within their communities, traditions like endogamy and early marriages persist, contributing to their long history of stigmatization. Box 20. Endogamy and disabilities The high rates of endogamous marriages across Dom communities such as Hay el Gharbi, favors higher rates of disabilities and congenital malformations, as confirmed by medical KIs. “ Stop naturalizing Nawar! — Lebanese man in Naameh, talking to a surveyor 15% of adult stateless respondents identified as of Dom origins, declared to be Dom. 16% of adult stateless respondents identified as of Dom origins pretended to be Bedouins Box 21. Outdated marital customs Throughout fieldwork in Iqlim el Kharroub, some members of the Dom community shared their marriage customs, saying that “here, we buy our brides”, explaining how men pay a dowry of around 40 million LBP for marrying a woman. Those who do not have the amount usually resort to abducting the bride. Stigmatization is evident in the way many Dom respondents deny their own heritage, with some even pretending to be Bedouins, which is often seen as more esteemed. As a result, many of them have adopted Bedouin customs, including the practice of the “Diwan”. In addition, to their traditional occupations such as playing music, collecting metal, or begging, the research team discovered that some Dom individuals living in urban areas were involved in illegal activities like drug dealing and prostitution. © 2023 Siren Associates. All Rights Reserved. 78