In 2019, many incidents have greatly affected Lebanon's civic space. On the economic front, the banking industry is in crisis due to the rapid depreciation of the Lebanese pound and the country’s inability to repay huge public debts. During the financial crisis, the government was strongly criticized for its lack of political vision, failure to implement necessary reforms, and refusal to communicate transparently with powerful political and religious figures, using criminal defamation laws to suppress journalists, activists, and others.

The turning point came on October 17, when thousands of people took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the dysfunctional system. This load of occasions influenced the civil society area in Lebanon.

In 2020, “The Pulse” team initiated the first edition of a countrywide mapping of traditional and newly emerging CSOs following the October 17,2019. This study primarily intends to offer information on the overall status of these CSOs as well as their impact on policymaking. The study's major message is to encourage civil society organizations to play a part in politics, no matter how tiny. "The Pulse” team think that change must occur sooner rather than later before we reach the point of no return. If nothing changes, Lebanon will lose its unique democratic character, openness to the rest of the world, and ability to serve as a model of coexistence and tolerance.

This study intends to serve as a resource for both CSOs and other socio-political actors. It will provide a better grasp of the current political climate and the interactions among its various players.

To read the full mapping study: