Problems confronting the target groups in Tripoli:

Economic

• Economic collapse/ inflation in the country affecting Tripoli region even more
• 55% of Tripolitans under extreme poverty (IFI,2020)
• 75% of Tripolitans unemployed (IFI,2020)
• 60 % of Tripolitans earned a dollar a day even before the current crisis (Foreign Policy, 2020)
• Tripoli is the poorest city in Lebanon with the lowest GDP per capita (UNHCR,2016)
• Most of the donations and support from individuals, organisations and countries is currently being directed to Beirut after the explosion, which will lead to further exacerbation and neglect of the economic and social conditions in Tripoli
• Many rely on the informal labor and daily wage
• Newly affected people might not be supported since they are not familiar with the aid system and might be reluctant to ask for help (non-dignifying).
• COVID-19 as well as the current economic crisis worsened the situation leading to the death of a middle class
• The majority of the death boats leaving to migrate to Europe are leaving from Tripolitan shores

Inefficiency and Insufficient Interventions

• Sporadic and uncoordinated parcels distributions by organizations, groups and political parties leading to endless waiting lists; some families can be supported by more than one party while others who are not well connected or informed might get no support at all
• Short term and unsustainable impact of current interventions based on distributions of parcels, limiting the choices of people/ binding with what is in the parcel

Tensions

• Stigmatization of the region: extremist groups and violence which led to the decrease of touristic (internal & external) and economic potential of the region
• Previous sectarian tensions (Sunni & Alawite)
• Threat of increased violence in the city due to poverty among many other factors
• Proliferation of weapons and their frequent use in celebrations, funerals and conflicts