When disaster strikes, Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) are often the first to act, providing crucial support where it’s needed most. Their ability to mobilize quickly, their deep knowledge of local communities, and their readiness to deliver aid make them indispensable first responders. Unlike larger international organizations, RLOs are nimble, leveraging their proximity to affected areas to respond faster and more effectively.
In September 2024, the escalation of Israeli aggression against Lebanon sparked a major humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which had been intensifying since October 2023, displaced over a million individuals—Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian populations alike. The southern regions of Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs were devastated by airstrikes, leaving many without access to shelter, food, water, or medical care.
RLOs were the first to mobilize, capitalizing on their rapid-response capacity, local expertise, and established community networks. Drawing on experience gained in previous crises, such as the Beirut blast and flooding and fires in refugee camps of the Beqaa area, they were able to immediately provide support where it was most needed.
Agility, Efficiency, and Community Knowledge
“We were able to respond within hours,” said Fares, the program manager of SAWA, an RLO operating in the Beqaa region. “Our local knowledge, deep ties to the community, and strong relationships with local authorities allowed us to act swiftly—something larger, more bureaucratic organizations couldn’t match.”
This agility is one of RLOs’ greatest assets. Many maintain emergency funds and preferred supplier lists, allowing them to act immediately. “ In the wake of this recent crisis, Basmeh &Zeitooneh convened a meeting within hours of the escalation”, said Zahia, the operation manager from B&Z,” Within 24 hours, we had procured mattresses, blankets, and other essentials thanks to pre-established relationships with local suppliers. This level of preparedness is crucial for effective crisis management and underscores the importance of planning and resource management”.
In contrast, many larger international organizations (INGOs) face delays due to cumbersome bureaucratic processes. One such organization offered to help, but after providing the necessary beneficiary details and documents, the process dragged on for over a month. Even after the due diligence was completed, no clear timeline for the next steps was provided. They told us it could take another week or two to move forward,” Fares from SAWA shared. “In time-sensitive situations like these, such delays can exacerbate the crisis, costing lives and worsening suffering”.
RLOs’ ability to minimize overhead costs also plays a key role in their effectiveness. They rely on full-time staff, which reduces the need for costly volunteers who require onboarding and training. Their proximity to affected areas means team members are already on-site, further cutting travel time and costs. This efficiency allows RLOs to focus resources where they are needed most.
In the Bekaa Valley, Frontliners for Change (FFC) was able to mobilize its entire team within hours after the escalation of violence.” We have the knowledge, human resources, experience, and systems in place to manage the response” told us Omar the FFC operations manager. This ability to respond independently, without relying on external resources, showcases the resilience and cost-effectiveness of RLOs.
Perhaps the most compelling strength of RLOs is their unparalleled understanding of the communities they serve. Staff members are often themselves from the community they serve, which provides them with firsthand knowledge of the challenges displaced populations face. FFC staff were so clear about their organization and managed to deliver culturally appropriate, contextually relevant solutions quickly, bypassing the red tape and delays that often hinder larger organizations. Omar said: “One of the strengths we have is the strong relationship we’ve built with the Lebanese host community, which has been incredibly helpful. The trust we’ve earned from local stakeholders enabled us to secure a shelter for displaced Syrian refugees.”
RLOs also possess an intrinsic advantage: trust. Their deep ties with the refugee and host communities foster a level of trust that external organizations cannot replicate. In a recent crisis, while INGOs struggled to navigate local bureaucratic and logistical challenges, RLOs were already on the ground, delivering aid. “We were able to move quickly because of the relationships we’ve built over the years,” said Omar. “The community trusts us, and we trust them.”
Challenges and the Path to a More Inclusive System
Refugee-led organizations (RLOs) play a vital role that extends beyond immediate crisis relief. They act as essential connectors, linking the most vulnerable populations to critical aid, information, and support. Often, they bridge gaps left by other organizations, especially in remote areas that larger entities struggle to reach.
Despite their effectiveness, RLOs face significant challenges. They frequently lack the resources and recognition afforded to larger international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), limiting their ability to scale operations during major crises. This disparity in funding often forces RLOs to operate with minimal resources, relying heavily on local donations and sporadic support. The program manager of Sawa noted, “When we ask for funding, we usually receive only 20% of what we request.” Similarly, the manager of Frontliners for Change (FFC) remarked, “Donors often prefer to fund larger organizations with established projects and bigger budgets.”
To fully realize the potential of RLOs, the humanitarian community must acknowledge and support their distinctive strengths. Empowering these organizations to expand their reach and amplify their impact requires a significant shift in resource allocation. RLOs are not only critical in times of crisis—they are fundamental to building a more efficient and sustainable humanitarian ecosystem. Their expertise, rapid response capabilities, and deep community connections are indispensable in advancing a more equitable and effective humanitarian response. Elevating the work of RLOs and providing them with the necessary tools and resources is essential to truly prioritize the voices and needs of displaced communities.