Starting with a small team of three people in 1994, the Caritas Migration Centre today helps thousands of foreigners living in Lebanon.
In spite of political and economic difficulties, Lebanon hosts many refugees in need of protection and better living conditions. Palestinians, Sudanese, and tens of thousands of Iraqis are now in the country..
Caritas Lebanon provides help, legal council and assistance, medical aid, and support with the education of children.
The outburst of violence in Iraq in 2003 initiated a surge of refugees into the country, so that Caritas Lebanon quickly had to develop its capabilities and today there are six centres dedicated to help the Iraqis.
The Centre is also very active in the protection and the defence of the rights of women who have come to Lebanon as domestic workers.
Originating in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Ethiopia, they are sometimes the victims of ill treatment. Caritas helps the victims and also conducts campaigns for a change in attitudes and an appreciation of the rights of these people under law.