Philippine Embassy Strengthens Efforts to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Support Filipino Nationals Amid Crisis in Lebanon

Members of the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, MWO and OWWA join the observance of the 18-day Campaign to End VAW. (Beirut PE photo)

BEIRUT 19 August 2024 – In response to the ongoing challenges faced by the Filipino community in Lebanon, the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon launched increased efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) and provide essential trauma counseling services as part of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Campaign from 25 November to 12 December 2024. The campaign seeks to raise awareness, provide resources, and offer support to vulnerable women and children.

Since the 2007 deployment ban, many Filipino workers in Lebanon have fallen victim to illegal recruitment schemes. These recruitment practices left numerous migrants susceptible to exploitation and abuse. In addition, the current geopolitical tensions in Lebanon, particularly the most re Israel-Hezbollah conflict, have further exacerbated the vulnerabilities faced by the Filipino community which includes psychological trauma, fear and stress due to the conflict. In light of these challenges, the Embassy focused on raising awareness about gender-based violence and providing much-needed trauma counseling.

The Embassy's efforts reached two key groups: shelter clients preparing for repatriation and Filipino nationals who have chosen to remain in Lebanon despite the ongoing crisis.

The Embassy’s initiatives are being carried out in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and respected local organizations, including the Lebanese Democratic Gathering and the Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy, and Applied Care (IDRAAC). These local organizations, which share the Embassy’s goal of ending violence against women, provided their expertise and resources at no cost.

The Embassy is committed to maintaining and expanding these partnerships to provide sustained assistance to Filipino nationals in Lebanon. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the Filipino community, whether preparing for repatriation or remaining in Lebanon, has access to the resources and support they need to overcome these difficult circumstances. END

The Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering’s Gender-Based Violence Lecture for Shelter Clients on 25 November 2024. (Beirut PE photo)

Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy, and Applied Care (IDRAAC) discussed mental health and trauma. (Beirut PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinLebanon/.