Informal Justice for children in Syrian Settlements in Lebanon

This study sheds light on informal justice systems in Syrian settlements in southern Lebanon. In particular, it aims to build knowledge and understanding of the informal and customary justice mechanisms and processes dealing with children and to develop a better understanding about behaviors, processes and decisions that drive the actors who are involved. This study is based on the results of qualitative interviews conducted with 46 members of the displaced Syrian community in southern Lebanon (six of whom were children) and ten key informants. It highlights difficulties and tensions between displaced Syrian communities and Lebanese host communities. As a result, Syrian communities rely mainly on internal and informal justice systems to settle disputed instead of formal justice systems. This paper suggests the necessity to map and identify informal justice processes and mechanisms, as well as promote clearer and more structured community-based informal justice practices in order to ensure greater child-friendly justice mechanisms.