Facing poverty head on

Nearly a third of Lebanese are estimated to live below the poverty line. This phenomenon cuts across sectarian divisions: destitution knows no religion or nationality (see photo essay). Many of these are not poor due to war, sectarianism or displacement: they are poor as they have been neglected by their society. Successive governments have failed to adequately identify and help those in need, while simultaneously forgoing adequate investment in health and education infrastructure. The past four decades have also seen a rapid increase in inequality (see article). Many poor have simply been left behind. For the past two years, the country has been faced with an additional crisis in the form of an influx of Syrians fleeing the carnage next door. Competition for jobs has increased, while rents have risen in poor communities. The World Bank has estimated that in total 170,000 Lebanese people will be pushed into poverty by