Communications and Advocacy Consultancy

European Commission

European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) – Support to Local Civil Society Action Through Country-Based Support Schemes – Lebanon

 

Reference: EuropeAid/161824/DD/ACT/Multi

Project Name: Challenging Stereotypes, Providing Services, Convening, and Advocating: A multi-layer approach to promote LGBTQ rights in Lebanon

Subject: Concept note – Production of Policy documents as per the EIDHR-funded project activity 3.1: Development of advocacy products

 

Background

The deteriorating situation in Lebanon continuously threatens the livelihoods, protection and safety of the LGBTIQ+ community. The depreciation of the Lebanese pound by 90% to the USD, decreased the value of the assets of the Lebanese people as well as their purchasing power. Prior to the crises, LGBTIQ+ individuals used to face excessive challenges in securing a safe house or shelter especially since many queer people, who are survivors or at risk of domestic violence, are obliged at a certain point to move out of their non-accepting parents' house and live independently. The lack of laws, regulations and procedures ensuring the tenants' rights and protecting them from harassment, forced eviction, and other forms of violence – with the prevalence of homophobia/biphobia/transphobia – made a luxury out of access to housing. The current multifaceted crises in the country further exacerbated that reality where many LGBTIQ+ individuals are unable to afford covering the rent and meeting their monthly needs. The latter has entailed an over-crowdedness in many queer houses, where more than ten individuals would reside in a single apartment to divide the rent and other costs. Several organizations reported an increased rate in COVID-19 cases among these individuals due to the conditions.

Additionally, due to lockdowns, the rate of intimate partner violence among queer individuals has also increased. Protection and SGBV focused organizations have witnessed an increase in the survivor's rates, and many have requested to be moved to a safe shelter. Incidentally, LGBTIQ+ specialized organizations have expressed for years the dire need to fund and establish safe queer shelters. In contrast, other existing safe shelters do not admit survivors or people at risk from the LGBTIQ+ community.

On another note, as a marginalized group, the LGBTIQ+ community seldom finds access to basic services, thus affecting their livelihoods and safety. Queer individuals who once suffered from unjust access to decent work, risk of arbitrary arrest, and limited access to education often resorted to receiving livelihoods, basic assistance, and protection services from LGBTIQ+ specialized CSOs to sustain a living. The services provided are often centralized and restricted within Lebanon's capital, Beirut, and some areas within Mount Lebanon, while efforts to decentralize the provision of services have been limited. On top of that, the fuel crisis, aftermath of the Beirut port explosion, and previous COVID-19 lockdowns, have jeopardized the ability of multiple organizations in sustaining the provision of their services especially in rural areas.

In addition, citizens and residents in Lebanon have been sharing collective traumas and enduring stressful circumstances in consequence of the crises. Likewise, the setback has affected the mental health and well-being of the queer community. The deteriorated mental well-being of LGBTIQ+ individuals comes as a result of accumulated challenging living conditions, lack of access to services, legal status and framework, and a multi-faceted socioeconomic and political crisis. CSOs are concerned of the increased drug use rates within the queer community. LGBTIQ+ individuals are resorting to many negative coping mechanisms and risky behaviours, notably drug use and particularly during sexual activities and practices. Finally, the increase in the use of substances, specifically hard drugs, is also exacerbated due to the lack of access to medication and safe/affordable services dedicated to treating deteriorated mental health. Many queer organizations are also flagging the shortage and brain drain of specialized service providers and the lack of flexible funding to address and respond to the dire needs of the community.

Purpose:

Based on the research paper and policy brief that have been produced by Oxfam GB, and published in June 2021, it is inevitable to disregard the vulnerability of the queer community in Lebanon amidst the rapidly changing context. To better understand the trends, challenges and needs of the community, Oxfam GB carried out a consultation workshop, where LGBTIQ+ focused civil society organizations (CSOs) – sub-granted under the EIDHR project under Activity 2.2 (A.2.2) – were invited to brainstorm collectively, and participate in reviewing, unpacking, and prioritizing the needs of the LGBTIQ+ individuals and communities in Lebanon.

The identified priority issues are:

1) lack of access to basic needs, and to safe shelters and housing

2) deteriorated mental health and drug use.

Expected deliverables:

This activity is expected to culminate in two major deliverables:

1. Policy document addressing the lack of access of the LGBTIQ+ to basic needs, housing and safe shelters.
2. Policy document addressing the deteriorated mental health and prevalence of drug use among queer individuals.

Both documents are expected to follow the below outline:

1.  Brief overview of the general situation of queer individuals in Lebanon and the impact of the ongoing crises on 1) their access to basic needs, housing and safe shelters, and 2) their mental health, and the incidence of drug use during sexual practices
2.  Presentation and analysis of results and key findings
3.  Policy recommendations targeting 1) The government and public sector, 2) iNGOs and donors, and 3) Local partners, CSOs and LGBTIQ+ individuals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consultants’ Duties and Responsibilities:

To carry out the activities, Oxfam will seek out potential consultants with relevant expertise and proven previous experience working in domains of policy and research involving issues affecting the LGBTQI+ communities and individuals. The consultant is expected to articulate Oxfam's values, express support to its mission and aspirations, be culturally sensitive and account for high ethical standards.

 

1)Preparation phase:

1. 1. Review of the activity objectives
   2. Review of the already-produced research paper and policy brief provided by Oxfam)
   3. Review of an internal programmatic report summarizing the outcomes of a consultation meeting held               with the project partners to discuss the most prominent issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community
   4. Review of laws and policies related to LGBTIQ+ related issues in Lebanon
   5. Setting up the assignment workplan including identifying relevant stakeholders to take part in the production of the policy briefs

2)Desk review

1. 1. Data available on the issue (e.g. housing, homelessness, shelters, mental health, drug use)
   2. Data available on violations against LGBTIQ+ individuals
   3. Other data related to the impact of the crises on the LGBTIQ+ community in Lebanon
   4. National level plans and strategies relevant to LGBTQI+ communities

3)Data Collection

1. 1. 4-5 KIIs with relevant actors and CSOs (for policy documents and external evaluation)
   2. Case studies if needed

4)Data analysis and Validation

5)Production and finalization of policy documents

Qualifications:

• Relevant university degree in social sciences, development sciences, policy making, law or any other related field
• Experience working with the LGBTIQ+ community within the humanitarian and development sectors
• Expert knowledge in conducting research, drafting policies and recommendations
• Good command of English and Arabic
• Good communication and facilitation skills.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to gender issues, feminist issues and queer issues

 

Timeframe:

It is envisioned that the consultancy will span between January 17, 2022 till February 7, 2022 which will amount to a total of 16 working days with an expected draft by February 7, 2022. A final draft should be submitted by February 14, 2022.