In this insightful episode, we explore the intricate issues surrounding asylum in Lebanon. We speak with experts Jasmin Lilian Diab and Bechara Samneh, who provide an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted challenges encountered by LGBTIQ+ refugees.

Lebanon, as highlighted in the episode, is at the forefront of the global refugee crisis, hosting the highest number of refugees per capita and per square kilometre globally, including 1.5 million Syrian refugees and over 11,645 refugees of other nationalities. As the ⁠Tahrir Institute explains⁠, the country has neither ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees nor the 1967 Additional Protocol. In addition, Lebanon has only one domestic law pertaining to asylum that falls short of due process standards, leading to its disregard among refugee advocates. Adding to these challenges is the informal relationship between the government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which allows Lebanon to make unilateral changes affecting refugees. Our guest experts discuss the myriad obstacles refugees face, such as restricted access to residency, healthcare, and employment, which further exacerbate their poverty and vulnerability.

A significant focus of the conversation revolves around the precarious position of LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers, who navigate additional layers of stigma and discrimination. The lack of a national asylum procedure categorises refugees as irregular migrants, placing the onus on the state to manage irregular migration with policies that often overlook the specific needs of the LGBTIQ+ community. Jasmin and Bechara's research underscores the absence of support systems for these individuals and the barriers they face in accessing sexual and reproductive health rights.

The episode also teases forthcoming research aimed at shedding light on the experiences of queer internally displaced persons from South Lebanon, underlining the urgent need for more in-depth studies to better understand and support LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum not only in Lebanon but across the broader region.

Listeners interested in delving deeper into the topics discussed are encouraged to read recent articles recommended by the guests, including “⁠Gender Identity as a Barrier to Accessing Adequate and Inclusive Healthcare for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon's Northern Regions⁠” and “⁠Sex, health and rights in displacement and humanitarian response: crises upon crises in Lebanon and beyond⁠,” which further explore the intersection of gender identity, healthcare accessibility, and the compounding crises affecting vulnerable populations in Lebanon.

For those wishing to explore the expert's work further, visit their profiles clicking on their names here: ⁠Jasmin⁠ and ⁠Bechara⁠.