Pillar II: Provision of Health, Protection, and Food Assistance to Detainees, Children in Conflict with the Law, and Individuals with Mental Health Conditions, particularly Persons with Disabilities. ltpgtThis project addresses the ongoing ltbgthealth, food security, and protection needs of the most vulnerable population groups lt/bgtwho are especially affected by the multiple crises in Lebanon, including detainees, children in conflict with the law, and individuals with mental health conditions, ltbgtparticularly those with disabilities and older persons at risk.lt/bgt The proposed project aims to deliver altbgt targeted, multi-sectoral response,lt/bgt specifically tailored to the distinct needs of the most vulnerable populations in North Lebanon, Akkar, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon. lt/pgtltpgtThe compounded crises in Lebanon, encompassing political, economic, and public health challenges, have inflicted significant hardships on both host and refugee communities, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities, vulnerabilities, and risks. This multifaceted situation has contributed to a ltbgtdeterioration in the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the most vulnerable population groupslt/bgt across Lebanon, particularly persons with disabilities, individuals with chronic illnesses, and survivors of gender-based violence. According to Restart Center, there was a ltbgt30% overall increase in the demand for mental healthlt/bgt services between 2022 and 2023, with refugees experiencing a 61% rise and Lebanese communities witnessing a significant 92% increase. Similarly, Lebanon witnessed a significant increase in reported suicide cases in 2023, marking the highest rate for the country in the past decade.lt/pgtltpgtFurthermore, ltbgtLebanon's detention system is grappling with severe challengeslt/bgt, marked by extensive overcrowding, a weak legal and justice system, dire detention conditions, lack of access to food and medical services, and violations of human rights. Restart Center reported an alarming increase in mortality and morbidity risks among detainees, driven by several critical factors. Detainees face limited access to medical care, a situation worsened by the scarcity of healthcare professionals available to work within detention facilities. Moreover, the lack of subsidized laboratory diagnostic tests, including those for infectious diseases, and a severe shortage of essential medications exacerbate the health risks.lt/pgtltpgtRestart Center also documented a ltbgtpercentage increase of 248% in juvenile arrests in North Lebanonlt/bgt between 2020 to 2023, with a significant number of minors held for prolonged periods before trial. Around 45% of children in conflict with the law assessed by Restart Center came from host communities, 50% were Syrian refugees, and 5% were stateless. Additionally, 82% of the arrested minors were charged with robbery, and 75% did not receive any support from family or community.ltbrgtltspangtThis project is designed to ensure a long-term impact for individuals with high-risk conditions through multi-sectoral, holistic, and comprehensive support. Specifically, individuals with mental health conditions, lt/spangtltbgtparticularly those with disabilities and older personslt/bgtltspangt, including those in detention, will receive comprehensive support through lt/spangtltbgthealth and specialized mental health serviceslt/bgtltspangt in North Lebanon, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon governorates. To achieve this, Restart Center will partner with the First Step Together Association (FISTA), a local NGO based in Tripoli and Akkar with a mandate to support persons with disabilities and promote their inclusion.lt/spangtltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtPersons at heightened risk, including persons with disabilities and GBV survivors, will also receive group and /or individual, focused, ltbgtmental health and psychosocial supportlt/bgt in North Lebanon and Akkar.ltbrgtltspangtMoreover, Restart Centelt/spangtrltbgt will provide vulnerable detainees with food assistance, protection services through legal aid and representation, as well as health and mental health services,lt/bgtltspangt with a particular focus on persons with disabilities and specific needs. Restart’s detention monitoring team will mainly cover six prisons and 37 police stations in North Lebanon, in addition to Roumieh prison, the migrant detention Center, and the state security prison, in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.lt/spangtltbrgtlt/pgt