CEP was launched in 2006 to support issues related to the right to work of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. It is unique in its composition as it brings together key actors in the Palestinian refugee employment environment with representatives from: The Ministry of Labour, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The International Labour Organization (ILO), The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), The Lebanese Civil Society, The Palestinian Civil Society and The Business Community.

The objective of the CEP is to promote actively the right to work of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon through objective and professional research and studies of the complex issues which stand in the way of the employment of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and their integration in the Lebanese labour market. It works as well in suggesting recommendation and making proposals to remedy the refugees’ inequitable predicament.

CEP is committed to the Resolutions of the UN which guarantee the Right of Return of Palestinian refugees to their lands; and affirms that the employment of Palestinian refugees is a right and is in no way related with the settlement of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, which is proscribed by the Lebanese Constitution and conflict with the right of return.

It is worth noting that in September 2012, with efforts from the CEP, an NGO as a resource center “The Center for Employment Promotion and Social Protection in Lebanon” (R-CEP) was established and officially acknowledged by virtue of notification No. 1602. The resource centre will operate under CEP’s guidance. CEP shall provide the NGO its full support and will back up the center’s activities to promote employment and social protection of Palestinian refugees.