Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Lebanon has long been a country marked by fragility, and in recent years, waves of civil unrest have deepened instability. Corruption, inequality, and lack of services have triggered repeated protests, often met with violence by security forces. 

This unrest, combined with economic collapse and weak governance, has displaced thousands of Lebanese citizens internally and pushed many to seek safety and stability abroad as refugees. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Lebanon’s political framework is based on a sectarian power-sharing system established after its civil war. While intended to ensure balance among religious groups, it has instead entrenched division, fostered corruption, and left the state paralysed in moments of crisis. 

Events such as the 2019 protest movement, sparked by corruption and austerity, and the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion highlighted how civil unrest and government negligence converge to force displacement.

Page 3 — Civil Unrest and Displacement 
The drivers of displacement are multi-layered: 

- Protests and clashes: recurring demonstrations against corruption and austerity often met with repression. 
- Economic devastation: collapse of the Lebanese pound, rising unemployment, and poverty. 
- Negligence and disasters: the Beirut explosion rendered thousands homeless. 
- Sectarian tension: unrest worsens community divisions and insecurity. 
- Collapse of services: healthcare, electricity, and education fail to meet basic needs. 

For many, displacement within Lebanon is only the first step before seeking refuge abroad. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
For individuals, civil unrest and displacement mean trauma, poverty, and uprooting of lives. Families often separate as younger generations flee abroad in search of safety, while those left behind struggle in worsening conditions. 

For society, displacement deepens Lebanon’s brain drain, destabilises the economy, and erodes trust in political institutions. Internationally, the exodus adds to global refugee pressures and highlights Lebanon’s inability to guarantee basic stability for its citizens. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Addressing displacement in Lebanon requires structural reforms and urgent humanitarian action. 

Key steps include: 
- Political renewal: move beyond sectarian power-sharing to accountable governance. 
- Anti-corruption reforms: prosecute graft and rebuild citizen trust. 
- Economic recovery: stabilise the currency and rebuild jobs. 
- Humanitarian aid: expand support for displaced families and communities. 
- International assistance: increase asylum opportunities and press Lebanon for reforms. 

Until such steps are implemented, displacement due to civil unrest will continue to push Lebanese refugees abroad, undermining the country’s future stability and cohesion.