DEMAC has been granted an activation fund by the H2H Network to bolster diaspora-led humanitarian efforts in Lebanon. This project aims to enhance the Lebanese diaspora’s response by strengthening coordination, communication, and capacity building among diaspora groups and other humanitarian actors.

This activation fund, which runs until May 2025, will be implemented in close collaboration with the Danish Refugee Council’s Lebanon Office. Key activities include deploying a Diaspora Liaison Coordinator in Beirut to facilitate outreach, gather data, and improve coordination of humanitarian assistance. The project’s primary objectives are:

• Conducting a comprehensive real-time review on the current diaspora-led humanitarian initiatives in Lebanon
• Hosting workshops and online coordination meetings to foster intra-diaspora collaboration
• Offering capacity building training and sponsorships to enhance diaspora’s skills in effective humanitarian response

“We are deeply grateful to the H2H Network for supporting this vital initiative,” said Adrien Bory, DEMAC Lead Coordinator. “The Lebanese diaspora is one of the largest globally and plays a vital role in supporting crisis-affected communities, but their efforts are largely fragmented. This funding allows us to address gaps in coordination and communication within the Lebanese diaspora and between diaspora and local actors. Our goal is to foster trust and collaboration for a more effective and sustainable response.” 

As an H2H Network member, DEMAC joins seven other organizations—Edge Effect, IMPACT Initiatives, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, CDAC Network, RedR UK, and The New Humanitarian—in this activation fund backed by UK Aid to address critical humanitarian needs in Lebanon. These contributions span across diverse areas such as LGBTIQA+ inclusion, damage mapping, diaspora engagement security management, and rapid needs assessments.

The project comes at a critical time for Lebanon. The Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah in September 2024 triggered widespread infrastructure destruction, displaced nearly one million people, and left over 60% of the population in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in November 2024, the affected communities face immense challenges, including limited access to homes, basic services, and livelihoods. Coordinated humanitarian action is essential to provide emergency relief and support recovery efforts.