Journal Articles by Jasmin Lilian Diab
Journal of Homosexuality, 2025
Trans-Syrian refugee sex workers in Lebanon occupy a unique intersection of compounded vulnerabil... more Trans-Syrian refugee sex workers in Lebanon occupy a unique intersection of compounded vulnerabilities: gender identity, forced displacement, precarious labor, and systemic violence. Engaged in sex work for survival, these women navigate high-risk environments where they endure harassment, assault, and marginalization. This paper explores a self-defense training provided to 10 trans-Syrian refugee women in sex work, examining how they conceptualize self-defense—not only as a physical skill but as a tool for negotiating power in abusive partnerships, safeguarding themselves from violent clients and law enforcement, and mitigating everyday risks. Employing an intersectional framework, it explores how gender identity and refugee status amplify exposure to violence, while queer necropolitics examines how state and societal forces render trans refugees as “disposable” subjects outside legal and humanitarian protections. Additionally, critical refugee studies highlights forced displacement as a site of vulnerability and resistance, where trans-refugee sex workers actively subvert their erasure through embodied self-defense. Participants’ narratives demonstrate that self-defense goes beyond physical protection—it is a strategy to resist violence in sex work, manage abusive intimate relationships, and confront structural conditions of exploitation. This study challenges the victimization of trans refugees, highlighting their agency and the need for policies that address their intersectional realities.
International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 2025
Researching displacement in Lebanon requires methodological approaches that are both participator... more Researching displacement in Lebanon requires methodological approaches that are both participatory and trauma-informedapproaches that are ethically inseparable and mutually reinforcing. This paper offers a conceptual and methodological reflection on the integration of trauma-informed principles into participatory research with displaced communities, drawing on fieldwork experiences with Syrian, Palestinian, and other refugee groups in Lebanon. Rather than presenting empirical findings, it critically engages with the ethical, institutional, and structural challenges that hinder the adoption of trauma-informed participatory methods within academic, humanitarian, and policy spaces. The paper proposes a trauma-informed participatory research approach that centers refugee agency, safeguards psychosocial well-being, and promotes co-creation of knowledge. It critiques extractive research practices and reflects on alternative frameworks such as refugee-led storytelling, participatory archiving, and collaborative data governance. By advancing this dual framework, the paper contributes to ongoing debates on ethical research methodologies and outlines principles and practices for institutions seeking to support more just, sustainable, and communitydriven research infrastructures in displacement settings.
Journal of Refugee Studies, 2025
Refugee Survey Quarterly, 2025
This article is a Response to Owen's recent reframing of forced migration studies towards a broad... more This article is a Response to Owen's recent reframing of forced migration studies towards a broader conceptualisation of displacement. It critically engages with Owen's proposal by emphasising two key contributions: first, it advocates integrating intersectionality to illuminate how overlapping systems of oppression-such as race, gender, class, and sexuality-shape differentiated experiences of displacement. Secondly, it calls for embedding displacement studies within a decolonial praxis, urging scholars and policymakers to actively challenge colonial legacies and contemporary structural inequalities underpinning forced migration. Drawing on Indigenous, urban, and queer refugee contexts, the article expands on Owen's notion of "place", highlighting how displaced populations reclaim spaces as sites of resistance and agency. Ultimately, the Response underscores the necessity of a justice-oriented and transformative approach that centres the lived realities and agency of displaced communities, ensuring displacement studies move beyond theoretical breadth towards tangible, systemic change.
Frontiers in Sociology, 2025
This study investigates the barriers to legal access faced by Ethiopian migrant domestic workers ... more This study investigates the barriers to legal access faced by Ethiopian migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Lebanon, highlighting the legal violations they endure. The research encompasses all phases of criminal cases, from initial investigations to trial and verdict issuance. Utilizing a diverse methodology, the study draws on a sample of judgments from Egna Legna Besidet's Legal Program, qualitative interviews with 66 Ethiopian MDWs, and insights from 10 key informants and five legal experts. Ethical considerations, including a trauma-informed approach and thorough anonymization, were paramount. Findings reveal that MDWs encounter systemic injustices and insurmountable barriers within the Lebanese legal system, exacerbated by societal prejudices, exorbitant recruitment fees, language barriers, and limited legal awareness. The Kafala sponsorship system and restrictive immigration policies further hinder their legal navigation. Discriminatory attitudes, lack of legal safeguards, and inadequate support from embassies and consulates perpetuate a cycle of exploitation and abuse. The initial investigation stage is fraught with coercion and procedural violations, while trials and verdicts often lack fairness and adequate evidence. The study calls for comprehensive legal reforms, better enforcement of existing laws, accessible information, legal aid, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to dismantle these barriers and ensure justice for MDWs.
Mashriq & Mahjar: Journal of Middle East and North African Migration Studies, 2025
In September 2024, the escalation of year-long hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah intensifi... more In September 2024, the escalation of year-long hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, plunging Lebanon into yet another humanitarian disaster. 1 As Israeli airstrikes targeted civilian areas, over one million people, including Lebanese citizens, Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and migrant workers, were displaced within the country. 2 Yet, a significant phenomenon occurred away from the southern border: the movement of people fleeing from Lebanon into Syria. With an estimated 400,000 individuals crossing the border into Syria through overcrowded checkpoints, this movement is not to be confused with a definitive return but rather an emblem of the cyclical and fluid nature of displacement in the region.
Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2025
This paper examines antiracist feminist mobilizations in Lebanon, focusing on the inclusion of mi... more This paper examines antiracist feminist mobilizations in Lebanon, focusing on the inclusion of migrant and refugee women alongside Lebanese women. Amid Lebanon's complex sociopolitical landscape and entrenched patriarchy, antiracist feminist movements challenge intersecting oppressions. Using an intersectional approach, this study explores how activists navigate race, gender, class, and nationality. In-depth interviews with migrant and refugee feminist activists, along with analyses of grassroots advocacy, reveal strategies to amplify marginalised voices and build solidarity across identities. These alliances transcend nationality, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in coalition-building, especially regarding power dynamics and representation. The study also critiques the influence of international organisations and donors on these movements' agendas. By centreing migrant and refugee women's experiences, these mobilizations challenge dominant narratives, enriching discussions on feminist activism and migrant rights. Ultimately, the paper underscores intersectionality's role in fostering meaningful social change in Lebanon.
Gender and Development, 2025
In the aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion, LGBT+ NGOs in Lebanon emerged as pillars of unity ... more In the aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion, LGBT+ NGOs in Lebanon emerged as pillars of unity and support, particularly for women in all their diversity (WiTD) and gender minorities in both refugee and host communities. These NGOs swiftly pivoted towards disaster management, prioritising risk mitigation and rapid emergency response strategies amid the chaos. Their immediate focus was on providing safe havens and inclusive support networks for vulnerable groups, recognising and addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by WiTD and gender minorities affected by the blast. By leveraging their networks and expertise, these NGOs created spaces that transcended societal barriers, ensuring equal access to crucial resources regardless of gender identity, orientation, or nationality. Collaborating actively with humanitarian agencies and other stakeholders, these entities emphasised intersectionality in their relief efforts. This approach enabled them to fill gaps in assistance and prioritise marginalised individuals who faced compounded challenges due to their gender identity, sexual orientation, and refugee status. Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, these organisations invested significantly in longterm disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The proactive approach of these LGBT+ organisations exemplifies a commitment to integrating inclusivity and diversity at every stage of disaster management and emergency response. Against the backdrop of Lebanon's failure to integrate refugees and gender minorities into the country's broader cultural and societal identity, this paper draws on qualitative interviews with these NGOs and their constituencies to critique conventional notions of resilience, arguing instead that for marginalised groups, the event of the disaster is not singular. Consequently, resilience must be understood as the capacity to navigate and withstand multiple ongoing adversities that are disproportionately both felt and addressed. Après l'explosion survenue dans le port de Beyrouth, les ONG LGBT+ du Liban sont devenues des piliers de l'unité et du soutien, en particulier pour les femmes dans toute leur diversité (FdLD) et les minorités de genre, tant dans les communautés de réfugiés que dans les communautés d'accueil. Ces ONG se sont rapidement tournées vers la gestion des catastrophes, en accordant la priorité à l'atténuation des risques et aux stratégies de réponse rapide aux situations d'urgence dans un contexte chaotique. Elles se sont immédiatement attachées à fournir des refuges sûrs et à créer des réseaux de soutien inclusifs pour les groupes vulnérables, en reconnaissant et en prenant en compte les vulnérabilités particulières auxquelles étaient confrontées
Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics, 2025
This study examines biased media portrayals of refugees, focusing on the contrast between Ukraini... more This study examines biased media portrayals of refugees, focusing on the contrast between Ukrainian and MENA refugees. It proposes a "politics-media cycle of reinforcement" where political agendas influence media narratives, and vice versa. This cycle amplifies racial bias, impacting how refugees are perceived. The research employs a comparative content analysis of Western media and political rhetoric. Findings reveal a stark difference: Ukrainians are seen as deserving victims, while MENA refugees face negative stereotypes. Interviews with media professionals and analysts support these conclusions. The study exposes racialized "othering" that marginalizes specific refugee groups. It confirms a more sympathetic portrayal of Ukrainians, likely due to political and racial factors. This research highlights the need for a more balanced and empathetic approach to all refugees.
Conflict and Health, 2025
Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally, and many hum... more Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally, and many humanitarian crises occur in countries with high NCD burdens. Peer support is a promising approach to improve NCD care in these settings. However, evidence on peer support for people living with NCDs in humanitarian settings is limited. We evaluated the implementation of peer support groups (PSGs) for people with diabetes and/or hypertension as part of an integrated NCD care model in four primary care centers in Lebanon. Methods Our objectives were to: (1) evaluate the reach of the PSGs; (2) evaluate the association of PSGs with patientreported outcomes; and (3) evaluate the association of PSGs with clinical outcomes (blood pressure, HbA1c, and BMI). We used a before-after study design and included a control group for clinical outcomes. The PSG intervention began in December 2022 and was carried out in two waves. The first wave was implemented from December 2022 to July 2023, and the second wave from July 2023 to January 2024. For the control group on clinical outcomes, we used data collected from January 2023 to January 2024. We used routinely collected programmatic and administrative data. The patient reported outcomes (PROMs) were collected at baseline and at six months by trained volunteers for all PSG participants. We performed a before-after analysis of PROMs for all patients who completed the PSG sessions. T-tests were used to analyze the differences in PROMs from baseline. Change in PROMs, together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values for the changes were reported. To assess the association between the implementation of the PSG strategy and changes in clinical outcomes, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and body mass index (BMI), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were used, adjusting for age, sex, and the baseline values of the outcome being analyzed (baseline SBP and baseline HbA1c, respectively). Results A total of 445 patients were approached for enrolment in wave 1, 259 (58%) consented, of whom 81 were enrolled. In wave 2, 169 patients were approached, 92 (54%) consented of whom 91 were enrolled. We found some statistical evidence that PSG improved certain PROMs, including potentially clinical meaningful improvements in
Frontiers in Psychology, 2025
In the pursuit of a brighter future for their children, many female migrant workers leave their h... more In the pursuit of a brighter future for their children, many female migrant workers leave their home countries to seek employment abroad, often as caregivers for families in wealthier nations. This decision necessitates prolonged separation from their own children, depriving them of the opportunity to witness and participate in crucial stages of their children's development. The absence of these mothers, combined with inconsistent caregiving in their stead, significantly increases the vulnerability of left-behind children to mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and difficulties in forming emotional bonds with others. Moreover, even after the migrant mother's eventual return, the disruptions in attachment often result in long-term consequences, including strained and distant relationships with their children. This article explores the complex impact of maternal migration on the mental well-being of left-behind children across various cultural contexts. It highlights key findings, such as the role of communal caregiving practices in mitigating adverse effects in some societies, while noting that these practices are not a complete solution. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions and policy measures to support the well-being of children affected by maternal migration globally.
Migration and Development, 2025
This study examines the Lebanese government’s strategic indifference towards internally displaced... more This study examines the Lebanese government’s strategic indifference towards internally displaced persons (IDPs) from South Lebanon, especially after the October 2023 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Using in-depth interviews and participant observations, the research highlights how displaced individuals navigate their precarious situations without formal recognition and support. By not acknowledging IDP status, the government evades legal and moral responsibilities, forcing reliance on informal networks and humanitarian aid. This perpetuates IDPs’ invisibility and marginalisation, hindering their ability to meet basic needs and rebuild lives. The study underscores the power dynamics and state-to-citizen relations shaping IDPs’ treatment in Lebanon.
Journal of Diversity and Gender Studies (DiGeSt), 2024
This commentary examines multifaceted conceptions and practices of time in participatory approach... more This commentary examines multifaceted conceptions and practices of time in participatory approaches with Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. It critiques UN-centered partnership models, which often prioritize long-term solutions over refugees' immediate needs, and explores the challenges faced by refugee-led organizations in addressing diverse and urgent community priorities. Drawing on Futures Literacy Labs (FLLs) and Trauma-Informed Participatory Approaches (TiPAs), the authors present alternative methods that embrace refugees' complex temporal experiences and prioritize their agency. These approaches create spaces for refugees to engage as active participants, addressing intersectional vulnerabilities and fostering a sense of dignity and resilience. By challenging linear and static notions of time in humanitarian programming, the commentary advocates for solidarity initiatives that respect and integrate refugees' diverse temporalities. Ultimately, it offers insights into how participatory frameworks can be reimagined to better support inclusive and meaningful collaborations in displacement contexts.
Journal on Migration and Human Security, 2024
This paper sheds light on the often-overlooked intersectionality of armed conflict, displacement,... more This paper sheds light on the often-overlooked intersectionality of armed conflict, displacement, and sexual and gender identity, with a focus on the experiences of LGBTIQ+ internally displaced persons (IDPs) from South Lebanon amidst the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study conducted 18 in-depth interviews with members of the displaced LGBTIQ+ community to capture the nuances of their lived experiences. Through thematic and narrative analysis, the research aims to uncover the multifaceted challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals who have been internally displaced due to the protracted conflict. The findings highlight the intricate interplay between the external conflict dynamics and the internal struggles of sexual and gender minorities navigating displacement. Themes such as resilience, identity negotiation, discrimination, and community building emerge from the narratives, providing a rich and textured understanding of the intricate fabric of their lives. The paper not only contributes to the growing body of literature on conflict-induced displacement but also foregrounds the unique challenges and coping mechanisms employed by LGBTIQ+ individuals in the face of adversity. By amplifying the voices of those often silenced, this research seeks to inform policies and interventions that are more inclusive and responsive to the specific needs of internally displaced LGBTIQ+ populations in conflict settings, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in their journeys of survival, resilience, and identity reconstruction.
Journal on Migration and Human Security, 2024
This article investigates the challenges faced by the Syrian Dom community in Lebanon, with a par... more This article investigates the challenges faced by the Syrian Dom community in Lebanon, with a particular focus on the gender-specific adversities encountered by women. Historically nomadic, the Dom have largely settled in the MENA region, though recent conflicts in Syria have displaced many to Lebanon, where they live in precarious conditions alongside other refugees. Through a mixed-methods approach, this research delves into the multiple layers of discrimination experienced by Dom women, exacerbated by their ethnic background, gender, and legal status. Such factors combine to place Dom women in highly vulnerable positions, perpetuating their marginalization and complicating their integration into Lebanese society. By focusing on vulnerabilities, forced labor, sexualization, protection, and intimate-partner and familial dynamics, this paper offers insights into how systemic inequalities intersect with identity formation in a less-explored displacement context within Lebanon. The study concludes with recommendations for targeted interventions aimed at empowering these women, improving their access to necessary services, and facilitating their social inclusion.
Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, 2024
This study delves into the intricate mechanisms by which states employ a complex network of compe... more This study delves into the intricate mechanisms by which states employ a complex network of competing and intersecting borders-both real and imagined-to delineate and perpetuate the image of Syrian refugees as security risks. Drawing upon insights from border studies, securitization theory, and framing analysis, we explore the nuanced processes of mental mapping and bordering within the context of the Syrian crisis. By scrutinizing the construction of these borders and mental maps, we highlight the deliberate state-driven narrative that portrays Syrians as threats, emphasizing that such perceptions are not inherent but rather intentionally crafted. Our investigation sheds light on the state's agency in framing Syrians as threats, a narrative rarely challenged despite the multifaceted nature of the refugee crisis. Through an expanded discussion on historical, geopolitical, and socio-cultural dimensions, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics underlying the portrayal of Syrian refugees as perennial security concerns.
Health Services Insights, 2024
This study examines the health security of both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees in Lebanon.... more This study examines the health security of both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees in Lebanon. It also assesses the readiness and resilience of the healthcare system in response to the multi-layered crisis that began in late 2019.
A qualitative case study design was employed, utilizing 2 unstructured interviews with health experts/hospital staff, semi-structured interviews with 20 Lebanese participants and a document review. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.
The study found that Syrian refugees have access to health services under terms, conditions and restrictions including out-of-pocket (OOP) payment. In contrast, Lebanese citizens find traditional health guarantor systems largely ineffective, leading to high OOP costs for most healthcare services, with few exceptions. This study reveals a paradox in healthcare access within Lebanon’s fragile environment. Syrian refugees have greater access to health services, with minimal out-of-pocket (OOP) costs to a certain extent, compared to Lebanese citizens themselves who remain entrenched in inadequate health support services and poor public administration.
To address this, targeted interventions and policies are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders, including the private and public sectors, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the international community. Reforms are needed, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), other relevant ministries, and government payers, to refinance the traditional guarantor system and restore Lebanese citizens’ health security. Additionally, unifying health coverage across all government payers is vital.
Frontiers in Psychology, 2024
The integration of trauma-informed and ethical frameworks in qualitative research concerning surv... more The integration of trauma-informed and ethical frameworks in qualitative research concerning survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) within displaced communities is critical. These individuals often bear the weight of traumatic experiences compounded by displacement and associated hardships. Adopting a trauma-informed approach establishes a safe environment, prioritizing survivors' well-being and respecting their agency and narratives, thereby fostering trust and reducing re-traumatization risks. Ethical considerations ensure the dignity, rights, and cultural sensitivities of participants are upheld, contributing to rigorous and humane research. This integration amplifies survivors' voices and experiences, enhancing understanding and empathy. Trauma-informed approaches acknowledge the likelihood of trauma in individuals' lives and prioritize safety without aiming to treat symptoms. Proficient interviewing skills aim to improve comfort, safety, and recall without avoiding challenging questions. Integration of trauma-informed principles across all interview phases is crucial, particularly for individuals experiencing various traumas simultaneously, such as displacement, violence, and ongoing conflict. Drawing from the authors' experiences and existing literature, this paper advocates for a compassionate and empowering shift in qualitative research methodologies to better engage with survivors of trauma and GBV within displaced communities.
International Journal of Discrimination and the Law, 2024
This paper explores the dual marginalization of LGBTIQ+ Syrian refugees in Lebanon, highlighting ... more This paper explores the dual marginalization of LGBTIQ+ Syrian refugees in Lebanon, highlighting the interplay between national policies on deportation and the crackdown on the LGBTIQ+ community post-2019. Lebanon, home to 1.5 million Syrian refugees-the highest per capita globally-is a case study in how social, political, economic, and legal frameworks do not merely overlook refugee challenges but actively intensify their isolation. Particularly for LGBTIQ+ Syrian refugees, everyday experiences of violence, discrimination, stigmatization, and isolation are exacerbated by these frameworks. In 2022, this situation worsened when Lebanon's Minister of Interior, yielding to pressure from religious groups, directed security forces to disrupt gatherings within the LGBTIQ+ community. Employing qualitative research methods, this study delves into the compounded effects of these policies on the intersectional vulnerabilities of queer Syrian refugees. It examines their perceptions of vulnerability and security, underlining the profound impacts of overlapping decisions on deportation and the suppression of LGBTIQ+ rights.
Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 2024
In the humanitarian landscape, especially post-COVID-19, there has been a notable pivot towards i... more In the humanitarian landscape, especially post-COVID-19, there has been a notable pivot towards inclusivity and participatory methodologies, emphasizing the pivotal role of refugee-led organizations (RLOs). In Lebanon, amidst persistent economic and political turmoil, RLOs serve as crucial support systems for Syrian and Palestinian refugees within an environment plagued by inconsistent refugee policies and heightened vulnerabilities. Academic discourse underscores the increasing significance of RLOs in humanitarian assistance, yet systemic hurdles such as power differentials and tokenistic inclusion have emerged, constraining their effectiveness and integration within the humanitarian sphere. This study critically examines the application of inclusivity within humanitarian operations, aligned with the principles outlined in the Agenda for Humanity, specifically scrutinizing how prevailing narratives and operational dynamics may marginalize RLOs in Lebanon, thereby impeding their efficacy. It endeavors to evaluate how RLOs can assert themselves as principal stakeholders in humanitarian endeavors, striving for a more equitable and pragmatic approach to power dynamics and strategic planning for refugee communities. Utilizing a qualitative and participatory methodology, this research engages with diverse RLOs in Lebanon, conducting interviews to realistically and practically frame their experiences, obstacles, and contributions within the humanitarian landscape across entrenched and often rigid hierarchies, power dynamics, and tokenism within Lebanon's broader humanitarian landscape.
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Journal Articles by Jasmin Lilian Diab
A qualitative case study design was employed, utilizing 2 unstructured interviews with health experts/hospital staff, semi-structured interviews with 20 Lebanese participants and a document review. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.
The study found that Syrian refugees have access to health services under terms, conditions and restrictions including out-of-pocket (OOP) payment. In contrast, Lebanese citizens find traditional health guarantor systems largely ineffective, leading to high OOP costs for most healthcare services, with few exceptions. This study reveals a paradox in healthcare access within Lebanon’s fragile environment. Syrian refugees have greater access to health services, with minimal out-of-pocket (OOP) costs to a certain extent, compared to Lebanese citizens themselves who remain entrenched in inadequate health support services and poor public administration.
To address this, targeted interventions and policies are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders, including the private and public sectors, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the international community. Reforms are needed, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), other relevant ministries, and government payers, to refinance the traditional guarantor system and restore Lebanese citizens’ health security. Additionally, unifying health coverage across all government payers is vital.
A qualitative case study design was employed, utilizing 2 unstructured interviews with health experts/hospital staff, semi-structured interviews with 20 Lebanese participants and a document review. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.
The study found that Syrian refugees have access to health services under terms, conditions and restrictions including out-of-pocket (OOP) payment. In contrast, Lebanese citizens find traditional health guarantor systems largely ineffective, leading to high OOP costs for most healthcare services, with few exceptions. This study reveals a paradox in healthcare access within Lebanon’s fragile environment. Syrian refugees have greater access to health services, with minimal out-of-pocket (OOP) costs to a certain extent, compared to Lebanese citizens themselves who remain entrenched in inadequate health support services and poor public administration.
To address this, targeted interventions and policies are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders, including the private and public sectors, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the international community. Reforms are needed, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), other relevant ministries, and government payers, to refinance the traditional guarantor system and restore Lebanese citizens’ health security. Additionally, unifying health coverage across all government payers is vital.