Advancing Humanitarian Action, Human Rights and Community Resilience

The 2014 Annual Activity Report reflects Amel Association International’s continued commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance and long-term development programmes across Lebanon during one of the country’s most challenging periods.

Guided by its motto, “Positive Thinking and Permanent Optimism,” and its approach of “Principle, Position and Practice,” Amel expanded its services to respond to the growing needs of vulnerable Lebanese communities, refugees and migrant populations through an integrated model combining healthcare, education, livelihoods, human rights and social protection.

A Nationwide Humanitarian Network

Established in 1979, Amel Association International continued operating one of Lebanon’s largest community-based humanitarian networks.

Through 24 community centres and six Mobile Medical Units, the organization delivered healthcare, psychosocial support, vocational training, child protection and human rights programmes across Beirut, Mount Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and South Lebanon.

Amel maintained its commitment to serving people solely on the basis of need, regardless of nationality, religion or political affiliation, while promoting equal access to rights and active participation in public life.

Responding to the Syrian Crisis

The report documents the profound impact of the Syrian conflict on Lebanon during 2014, particularly following the violent events in Ersal in August.

Despite attacks by armed extremist groups, widespread destruction and the withdrawal of many humanitarian actors, Amel maintained its presence on the ground.

Its emergency response included:

• Healthcare services for more than 500 people immediately following the violence.
• Rapid resumption of child protection activities.
• Continuation of livelihood programmes to restore stability for affected families.
• Ongoing assistance despite declining humanitarian funding and increasing operational constraints.

The report also highlights the growing challenges facing refugees, including restrictions on border crossings, reduced food assistance and limited access to education, while emphasizing the importance of locally led humanitarian action.

Healthcare for the Most Vulnerable

Healthcare remained the cornerstone of Amel’s mission.

Responding to increased demand resulting from the refugee crisis, Amel expanded primary, secondary and mental healthcare services through its nationwide network of centres and mobile clinics.

Services included:

• General medical consultations
• Maternal and reproductive healthcare
• Mental health support
• Family planning
• Vaccination campaigns
• Hygiene promotion
• Distribution of hygiene kits

Special attention was devoted to pregnant women, who represented approximately 40% of beneficiaries, ensuring access to prenatal and reproductive health services.

2014 Health Highlights

• 80,212 medical consultations
• 12,242 vaccinations administered

These interventions contributed to improving access to affordable, non-discriminatory healthcare for both refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities.

Education and Child Protection

Recognizing education as a fundamental human right, Amel continued investing in programmes designed to protect children from the long-term consequences of displacement and conflict.

Working with UNICEF, the organization implemented child protection initiatives across six community centres in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley.

Programmes included:

• Accelerated Learning Programmes (ALP)
• Remedial education
• Arabic, English, French and mathematics classes
• Recreational activities
• Psychosocial support
• Community awareness sessions

These initiatives targeted refugee and host-community children alike, aiming to reduce school dropout, prevent exploitation and strengthen children’s resilience.

Programme Results

• 66,714 children gained improved access to education through Amel’s work.
• 10,118 beneficiaries received psychosocial support.
• 8,283 beneficiaries participated in child protection programmes.
• More than 250 staff members supported education activities nationwide.

The report underscores that education is not only a right but also a vital protection mechanism against child labour, early marriage and other forms of abuse.

Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment

As Lebanon experienced rising unemployment and growing competition in the labour market, Amel expanded vocational training programmes for both refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities.

Training opportunities covered:

• Language courses
• Computer skills
• Nursing
• Hairdressing
• Mechanics
• Mobile phone maintenance
• Computer maintenance
• Handicrafts
• Life-skills development
• Conflict resolution and communication

The organization also continued supporting Mann Hiya, a women’s cooperative producing handmade jewellery as an income-generating initiative.

Livelihood activities were implemented in Beirut and the Bekaa with support from the European Union, UNHCR and the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Promoting Human Rights

The Amel House of Human Rights (AHHR) continued strengthening legal education and human rights awareness throughout Lebanon and the Arab region.

Established in 2009, AHHR developed programmes covering:

• Refugee Law
• International Humanitarian Law
• International Criminal Law
• Citizenship
• Democracy
• Peacebuilding
• Civil rights

One of the flagship initiatives remained the Summer School on Law and Armed Conflict, organized in partnership with the Faculty of Law at La Sagesse University.

Through seminars and specialized training, AHHR sought to strengthen legal knowledge among students, lawyers, activists, policymakers and civil society actors while fostering dialogue and respect for human rights.

Protecting Migrant Domestic Workers

Amel continued expanding its programme supporting Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs), a population facing significant legal, social and economic vulnerabilities in Lebanon.

The programme combined:

• Advocacy and legal reform
• Research
• English-language and computer training
• Capacity-building activities
• Legal, psychological and health services
• Support for survivors of violence and human trafficking
• Awareness campaigns targeting employers and workers

The initiative also promoted stronger legal protection for migrant domestic workers through advocacy and coordination with civil society organizations.

Building Hope Through Action

Throughout 2014, Amel demonstrated that humanitarian assistance extends beyond emergency relief.

By integrating healthcare, education, livelihoods, human rights and protection into a single community-based approach, the organization worked not only to meet immediate needs but also to strengthen resilience, dignity and social cohesion.

The report reflects Amel’s enduring philosophy that sustainable humanitarian action must be grounded in principles, translated into clear positions and implemented through practical action—an approach that continued guiding the organization as Lebanon confronted one of the most complex humanitarian crises in its modern history.