Gendered mobility dynamics and human security risks in irregular maritime migration from Lebanon

This policy brief examines the sharp rise in irregular maritime migration from Lebanon over the past three years, situating it within the country’s ongoing political, socio-economic, and security crises.

Despite increased international and domestic attention, the phenomenon remains under-studied, with critical knowledge gaps around the demographics, motivations, and human security outcomes of those attempting sea crossings from Lebanon to Europe.

This brief explores who is migrating, why they are choosing to leave by sea, and what risks they face—particularly across gender lines. It also analyses the fragmented policy landscape governing migration in Lebanon, highlighting the central role the Lebanese army has come to play, often with international backing. It questions the effectiveness and implications of securitised, gender-blind approaches to migration control, and considers how current donor strategies may be reinforcing a militarised response to what is fundamentally a humanitarian issue.