Frontline workers in Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) are the backbone of humanitarian aid, driven by resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to their communities. Many of these individuals come from refugee backgrounds themselves, giving them unmatched insight into the struggles of displacement. For many, RLOs also provide the only viable employment opportunities, as systemic barriers often exclude refugees from other sectors. Through their work, they transform crises into opportunities for community-driven solutions, bridging the gap between their communities and the larger humanitarian system.
Bridging the Gap Between Communities and Aid
Frontliners play a critical role in connecting displaced communities to larger aid organizations. Their lived experiences and local knowledge allow them to navigate complex situations and build trust in ways that international actors often cannot. Ahmad from the Molham Team highlighted the importance of transparency in fostering this trust: “Every case we handle is published on our website, where beneficiaries can track donations and see exactly how much their case has received. People trust the Molham team about 90%, and we are very grateful for that.”
This trust is integral to their day-to-day operations. Molham’s field workers focus on creating direct connections with communities, conducting needs assessments, and facilitating aid distributions. Ahmad emphasized, “In emergencies, we respond directly through our field workers and collaborate with local organizations. Our field teams conduct direct assessments to determine the needs on the ground.” This capacity to rapidly assess and respond to crises ensures that aid reaches the most vulnerable, even in challenging contexts like the 2024 violence in Lebanon.
For many frontliners, their work is deeply personal. As the operations manager from Basmeh & Zeitooneh shared, “We understand what it’s like to lose everything and start over. That drives us to respond with urgency and compassion.” This sense of empathy is central to their success, as it helps them connect with displaced families who might otherwise be hesitant to accept assistance.
Innovators in Crisis
Frontliners are not only connectors but also problem-solvers, adapting to the realities of displacement with creative solutions. Their grassroots approach often leads to innovations tailored to the immediate needs of their communities. During the 2024 crisis in Lebanon, Molham’s team responded to urgent housing needs by collaborating with local landlords to secure shelter for displaced families. Ahmad shared, “At first, we faced challenges in establishing shelters due to the need for permits. Instead, we focused on assisting those who sought refuge with relatives or were left homeless on the streets. We provided mattresses, blankets, meals, and food kits.”
Similarly, the DAMMA Women’s Organization addressed the challenges of supporting displaced families in rural areas like West Bekaa. Hanadi, the program manager, explained, “When shelters became overcrowded, we used our education centers to house displaced families temporarily, ensuring they were not left on the streets.” This demonstrates how front-liners repurpose limited resources to meet immediate needs.
This innovative spirit extends to all aspects of aid delivery. Sawa’s team also addressed food insecurity by setting up community kitchens that provided meals to displaced families while employing refugees to run them. As one member explained, “We established these kitchens not just to feed people but to give displaced individuals a sense of purpose and a way to support themselves.”
Driven by Empathy and Commitment
The commitment of frontline workers is evident in their tireless efforts, often under extremely challenging conditions. Ahmad from Molham Team noted, “Our team often works beyond regular hours, sometimes up to ten hours a day. This month, we haven’t had a single day off. We even worked through our days off because we had to distribute food daily.” Despite this, frontliners remain motivated by their shared experiences with the communities they serve. Ahmad further explained, “As Syrian refugees ourselves, we know that if we don’t find solutions for our communities, no one else will. That’s what drives us to keep going, even when the work is exhausting.”
Their resilience extends beyond their physical efforts. Hanadi from DAMMA highlighted the importance of emotional strength in their work: “We work to ensure both Syrian and Lebanese families are supported, despite challenges like hate speech or tension in host communities. By building healthy relationships with stakeholders, we foster collaboration and trust.” This dual focus on providing aid and promoting social cohesion showcases the unique strengths of RLOs in addressing complex humanitarian issues.
Recognizing Frontliners as the Backbone of Humanitarian Aid
Frontline workers in RLOs are the unsung heroes of humanitarian aid, bridging gaps, fostering trust, and driving innovation. Fares, the operations manager of Sawa, summarized it well: “Our human resources are our most important asset. Without their commitment and expertise, none of this would be possible.” However, their contributions often go unrecognized in the broader humanitarian system.
By investing in frontliners and the organizations that support them, the humanitarian sector can better address the complexities of displacement. Their work proves that those who have lived through crises are often best equipped to lead the way in solving them. Recognizing and empowering the frontliners is not only an act of justice but a step toward a more inclusive and effective humanitarian system.