In recent years, Lebanon has been facing a deepening social and economic crisis, worsened by the turmoil of 2019, leading to an increasing number of people falling into poverty with no clear plan for recovery. In this challenging environment, vulnerable groups, notably Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, continue to struggle, despite their refugee status persisting for over seven decades. With approximately 250,000 Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon, they are confronted by severe socio-economic challenges, including extreme poverty, limited access to services, and few job opportunities. They are mainly located in overcrowded camps with restricted access to basic amenities. While there have been some improvements in legislation allowing Palestinians to access more jobs, legal barriers persist, worsening economic exclusion, especially for young people who face difficulties in education and finding work. Moreover, exposure to violence both within and outside their communities raises significant protection concerns, with recent clashes further exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities and mental health issues. 

The ongoing conflicts in South Lebanon and Gaza add to the mental health burden, leading to trauma symptoms and widespread distress among children and young people. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon continue to struggle with displacement, frustration, and a sense of not belonging, highlighting the urgent need for tailored mental health and psychosocial support programmes. UNICEF Lebanon Country Office (LCO) aims to adjust and strengthen existing programmes to meet these critical needs, considering the direct and indirect exposure of Palestinian children and young people to adverse events.