Review: Focus and Objectives

1. Tdh-Insan 2010 Child Protection Needs Assessment: Dom children in LebanonChildren on the Move WorkshopTdh HQ Nov. 2010

2. Review: Focus and Objectives Main research question: What child protection needs and risks exist in the Dom community and how are these addressed? Subsidiary questions: What are the sociological frameworks that inform normative expectations of children and adults in the Dom community? What are the child protection risks and needs? What child protection mechanisms exist inside and outside the community? What are the gaps in the protective environment and how can these be addressed?

3. Review: Scope and methodology 4 regions: Beirut, Bekaa, Saida, Tyre 11 research sites Duration: April - November 2010 Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods Action-oriented Participatory Ethical considerations: best interest of child Five phases Phase 1: Literature review Phase 2: Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders Phase 3: Data collection in the field: surveys and FGDs Phase 4: Data analysis and feedback to communities Phase 5: Writing report and draft project concept

4. Summary of research activities 27 interviews with stakeholders (40 non-Dom participants) 12 in-depth individual and group interviews with Dom communities (50 Dom adult participants) 12 FGDs with 91 Dom children and adults (22 girls, 31 boys, 18 mothers and 22 fathers) 206 household surveys covering a population of 1161 Dom individuals

5. Summary of research activities

6. Findings

7. Sociological profile of Dom in research The Dom are an ethnic minority group in Lebanon Face discrimination from members of majority communities (often described as “dirty”, “liars” and “lazy” by nature) Majority communities perceive the Dom’s living conditions as a matter of choice not necessity Dom have internalised the negative stereotypes about them: they are not proud of their ethnic identity Many Dom are rejecting their culture and traditions: children are not being taught Dom language (Domari) Dom hope to give their children better futures by enrolling children in school and helping them integrate into maintsream society

8. Socio-economic characteristics of Dom in sample Sedentary lifestyle (not nomadic) Nationality of survey sample: 73.8% Lebanese; 16.7% non-ID; 6% Qayd el dars; 2.3% Syrian; 1.2% Palestinian Low education levels: 83.9% of over-14 year olds never registered in school High rates of people not working: 44% of sample not working Of those working: 12% skilled labour (trades), 70% unskilled labour (cleaning, agriculture), 12% undefined Physical marginalisation: living in or around underprivileged areas (ex: Palestinian refugee camps) Exhibit varying levels of social cohesion: community leaders do not exist in all sites

9. Protection risks of Dom children Large family sizes: overall average 5.6, regionally 6.1 in Beirut, 5.8 in Tyre and 5.2 in Saida Low family income: 75% of respondents earning less than 500,000 LBP/month (=333USD) (333/5.6=60 p/mth p/p =$2 p/p per day) Poverty: 37.5% of sample is living below the international poverty line of $1.25 per person per day (46.8% in Beirut, 34.7% in Saida and 30.7% in Tyre) No legal basis for residence and fear of being expulsed from land they are living on Poor shelters (zinc, cardboard and wood) Inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure: 36.4% don’t have running water at home; 73.3% not connected to sewage network Health concerns: limited awareness regarding prevention and follow-up

10. Protection risks of Dom children (cont’d) 8. Micro-nutritional deficiency 9. Low enrolment rates: 68.8% under-18 year-olds have never attended school 10. Difficulty staying in school: 76.9% ofrespondents said school-related costs (fees, books, transport) were a barrier to education 11. No safe places for children to play 12. Non-ID persons experiencing difficulties in accessing governmental services 13. High rates of violence and neglect 14. Social marginalisation and discrimination by majority groups 15. Dangerous and exploitative forms of children’s work: 50.6% of respondents said that Dom children in their community beg 16. Children in conflict with law enforcement bodies 17. Cross-border trafficking of girls for dancing

11. Protection needs of Dom children: Gaps in the protective environment Improved housing and infrastructure (WASH, shelter construction, vector control, electricity, etc…) Better nutrition Clothing (including diapers) Improved care for infants (alternatives to formula feeding) Wider access to formal education, including vocational training for youth Safe places for children to play Improved medical care (vaccines, maternal and neo-natal care) and follow-up (medication) Social integration between Dom and non-Dom Enhanced community cohesion mechanisms Increased awareness in community about child protection

12. Conclusions Dom in Lebanon are a community that: Suffers from multiple vulnerabilities Faces discrimination and social marginalisation Encounters difficulties in accessing services Future programming, Tdh and Insan believe it is important to: Project starting 2011 (3 years) Respect the Dom’s culture and identity Engage with members of the community as potential protection actors Construct a relationship that does not foster a culture of dependency Advocacy and awareness raise in Lebanon and Middle East on the Dom’s plight. This is the only research/report of its kind on the Dom in Lebanon and the Middle East (actors waiting for it!)

13. Thank you