United Nations in Lebanon

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Lebanon:

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25 June 2024

We had no idea”- Preventing and reducing statelessness in Lebanon

Marita’s father was a day labourer in Beirut; he could not afford to lose a day’s work to complete the paperwork with the authorities in Baalbeck. “I was so scared”, says Marita’s mother. “I didn’t know what to do. It haunted me to think my daughter wouldn’t have an ID card – that she wouldn’t be able to attend school or see a doctor.” The Ministry of Social Affairs referred the case to UNHCR’s partner, Frontiers Rights. Frontiers Rights took on the case and, with UNHCR’s support, provided free legal aid and represented the family in court. The case ultimately succeeded. Today, Marita is six years old. She is registered as a Lebanese citizen, and is no longer stateless. Marita is one of the 1,500 stateless people of Lebanese origin who, with UNHCR support, have been able to remedy their lack of nationality or gain access to documentation. She is one of around 7,000 girls and boys who have been helped in this way. “Everybody told me the legal process would be very complicated”, says Marita’s mother. “I was so frightened by the financial implications, which were all the more worrying in the midst of this financial crisis. Then Frontiers came along. They truly accompanied me every step of the way. They comforted me, they explained all the details to me. ""The entire family was happy when Marita was finally registered. Saying ‘thank you’ doesn’t even begin to express our gratitude.”

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25 June 2024

Seeds of Hope: Salma Khawla and Equality in Lebanon’s Agribusiness

Under the Productive Sector Development Programme, UN Women and the Lebanese League for Women in Business provided support to 25 micro and small businesses in the agrifood sector to implement the Women’s Empowerment Principles, principles which guide businesses on empowering women in the workplace, the marketplace and the community.These businesses have since recruited 33 new women employees, of whom eleven (34 per cent) are women with disabilities. Boustan Salma is a working farm. But it also educates children about day-to-day farming life, including ploughing, harvesting, caring for livestock, and making pasta and other food. Salma believes that implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles in her business has contributed to its success. “Including women spurs creativity and problem-solving, and increases innovation”, she says. “Being a part of the Women’s Empowerment Principles has reinforced a workplace culture that promotes gender equality, contributing to overall business performance, sustainability, and long-term success.” The Productive Sector Development Programme is a three-year programme implemented by UN Women, FAO, UNIDO, UNDP, UNICEF, and the ILO and funded by the Government of Canada through the Lebanon Recovery Fund. It focuses on gender-responsive job creation and economic opportunities in the agriculture and agrifood sectors, prioritizing women and female youth in disadvantaged areas.

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Diyaa Youssef, one of 726 women who took part in training on business, leadership, personal development, coaching and mentoring organized by UN Women. © UN Women/Nour Abdul Reda, 2023

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14 June 2024

Combating water scarcity with unconventional water sources

The issue of water scarcity in Zahle had become more and more acute. It is now disrupting the daily routines of residents, particularly for larger families.“Water shortages are making it hard for families to manage their day-to-day activities”, says Eddie. “I am worried for my nieces and nephews. When I was a child, there was plenty of water. Nowadays, there is far less. Farmers even need to take turns to irrigate their land.”To help families like Eddie’s deal with water scarcity, UN-Habitat, together with partners including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the United Nations Children’s Fund in Lebanon (UNICEF), has been promoting the use of unconventional water sources and supporting sustainable water management.With funding from the Adaptation Fund, UN-Habitat has been helping to make households and farmers more resilient to water scarcity by promoting the incorporation of climate change considerations into urban planning at both district and municipal levels. “Water scarcity has been a reminder for me to live responsibly on Earth for the sake of the children who surround me, my nieces and nephews”, says Eddie. “I want them to be able to stay in Zahle and enjoy its rich resources.”Through capacity-building activities and practical interventions, UN-Habitat has also been promoting the reuse of treated wastewater from the Zahle wastewater treatment plant for irrigation. It has provided 10 educational institutions with equipment for collecting and reusing rainwater, and promoted the use of permaculture techniques to increase the resilience of agricultural practices.

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15 May 2024

The Productive Sectors Development Programme (PSDP) Makes a Positive Impact in Lebanon

The Productive Sectors Development Programme (PSDP), which is generously funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by six UN agencies (UNIDO, FAO, UNDP, ILO, UNWOMEN, UNICEF), has aimed for gender-responsive job creation and economic growth with a particular focus on empowering women and youth in disadvantaged areas. Fostering growth through a comprehensive approach The programme has recognized the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the agriculture and agri-food sectors, including limited market access, inadequate infrastructure and skills shortages. To address these issues, the PSDP has adopted a comprehensive approach, working at three levels:At the macro level, the PSDP conducted legislative and policy reviews as well as a gender analysis, with extensive dialogue and consultations with national and international partners. At the meso level, the PSDP has collaborated with the government and the private sector to enhance market access for MSMEs in agro-food. This has involved capacity building, export promotion and networking opportunities.At the micro level, the PSDP has enhanced the competitiveness of value chains like fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses in northern Lebanon. This has included technological advancements, skills development, business support, market access, amongst others. Celebrating the impact of the PSDP in LebanonRony Gedeon, Partnerships and Development Finance Officer, Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) – Lebanon, said: "The PSDP, funded by the Government of Canada through the Lebanon Recovery Fund (LRF), marks the start of a new approach to development in Lebanon that revolves around partnerships for productive sectors development. The program brought together the UN, donor partners, Lebanese Government, private sector, local partners and most importantly beneficiaries around common objectives and ambitions to help Lebanon’s economic recovery." Alexandra Santillana, First Secretary, Development at the Embassy of Canada in Lebanon, also spoke about the positive impact of the program: “Furthermore, during crises, the PSDP has supported over 2,000 vulnerable individuals and around 300 businesses operating in the agriculture and agri-food sectors by enhancing a favorable business environment. Consequently, this gave them exposure to international markets and empowered businesses, farmers, and cooperatives to thrive and expand.”Santillana added that the PSDP exemplifies Canada’s commitments to supporting Lebanon's productive sectors, fostering economic prosperity, especially for vulnerable women. Moreover, investing in people, specifically women in rural areas, can chart a course toward a more prosperous and resilient future for all.Kawthar Alawa, Owner of ‘Equilibre’, was able to showcase a good resilience in sustaining her business despite the economic crisis that marked business opportunities in Tripoli. She received a recognition award at the closing ceremony of PSDP for her outstanding dedication and commitment. The legacy of the PSDP in LebanonAfter years of dedicated efforts, the PSDP celebrated its achievements with a closing ceremony on April 16 at the UN House. The event acknowledged the successful results and partnerships forged during the programme's tenure, with a booth showcasing PSDP beneficiaries' products and progress at HORECA Lebanon, a hospitality and foodservice trade fair, which attracted almost 20,000 visitors.
Job creation and moreThe PSDP has yielded significant results, with over 2,000 jobs created and sustained: the majority held by women. Additionally, the programme has provided support to over 2,000 vulnerable individuals, including training in various aspects of agriculture and business leadership. Moreover, hundreds of MSMEs and farmers have received direct assistance, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and local development.As the PSDP concludes this chapter, it demonstrated important lessons of empowerment, transformation, and inclusive growth. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, the PSDP is one chapter of a larger vision for supporting the development of productive sectors in Lebanon. Disclaimer: This story was produced and published by the Hospitality News Middle East, in coordination with the UN Resident Coordinator Office, as part of its strategic partnership in the 2024 HORECA exhibition to showcase the results of the UN Productive Sectors Development Program (PSDP).

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15 February 2024

Young Diplomats in the Making: Lebanese Students Dive into the UN World

On February 6, 2024, the UN-House in Beirut opened its doors to a group of Grade 10 students from Collège des Saints-Cœurs Kfarhbab (SSCC-Kfarhbab), all participants in the Model United Nations (MUN) program. The visit offered them a unique peek into the intricate universe of international diplomacy, negotiations, and conflict resolution. Meet-and-Greet Session with High UN Official The day's highlight was the students' interaction with the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza. Organized by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Lebanon and the United Nations Information Centre in Beirut (UNIC Beirut), this meet-and-greet session served as a deep dive into the complexities of national and regional challenges as well as the essential skills for successful and effective UN leadership. In his discussion with the young future diplomats, Riza emphasized the UN's commitment to engaging and empowering youth, sharing insights on various UN youth programs led by UN entities in Lebanon that help identify and nurture young leaders. “Investing in youth is investing in the future,” he stressed. When asked about the challenges facing the UN amid the spread of disinformation and anti-refugee sentiments, Riza emphasized the critical role of youth in combating hate speech, misinformation and disinformation. “I advise you to make good use of digital platforms and social media to limit the spread of mis/disinformation,” Riza urged the students, before delving into a set of skills and values needed for those aspiring to take up leadership roles in the UN in the future. “Dreaming of Lebanon”: Learning through Virtual Reality The visit included a screening of “Dreaming of Lebanon,” a VR documentary that offers an immersive glimpse into the aspirations of young Lebanese amidst challenging times. Produced by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) and the Innovation Cell at the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA), the film used 360-degree technology to bring human-centered stories of resilience and hope to life. Students were particularly moved by the narratives of Josephine Abou Abdo and Batoul Hakim, whose stories of perseverance and commitment to Lebanon inspired them. "The documentary was a vivid lesson in hope and resilience, showing us that despite adversity, we can dream of and work towards a better future," shared student Paul Maaykel. Insights into Negotiations and Conflict Prevention The screening of the VR documentary was followed by an engaging session with UNSCOL experts, Pascale El-Kassis and Alaa Abdel-Aziz on negotiations and conflict prevention, who both introduced the students to real-world applications of negotiation, mediation, and conflict prevention strategies. This interaction enriched the students’ understanding of these concepts and strategies, sparking lively debates and discussions that helped hone their leadership and communication skills. Commenting on the session, Maurice Nasr said he was “impressed” by how UN strategies were formulated and implemented. As for Tia Azar, she described the session as “remarkably interactive.” Reflecting on a Memorable Experience The students unanimously appreciated the visit, highlighting its role in deepening their understanding of the UN's operations and the practical application of their MUN learnings. "This was a rare glimpse behind the scenes of international diplomacy, offering invaluable insights that go beyond the classroom," said student Carl Mchaylah. Hoda Houssami, the MUN Coordinator and English teacher at SSCC-Kfarhbab, summed up the visit: “It was a rigorous, memorable, and impactful learning experience that broadened our students' horizons, equipping them with a deeper understanding of the UN's pivotal role in addressing global and local crises." “Overall, the visit was unforgettable and incredibly enriching for everyone involved. From our arrival, we were met with exceptional care and professionalism,” added Elisabeth Boutros, the Head of Grade 9 and Grade 10 Division at SSCC Kfarhbab.” This immersive experience not only educated these young minds on the complexities of global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts but also inspired them to envision their roles in crafting a better future for Lebanon and the world.

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03 December 2024

Women-Led Kitchen Becomes a Lifeline for Displaced Families and Persons with Disabilities during Lebanon’s Conflict

Today, December 3, as we mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations in Lebanon celebrates the extraordinary stories of resilience, leadership, and empowerment in times of crisis, exemplified by the ‘Access Kitchen’ initiative in Lebanon. Launched in 2022 by UN Women in collaboration with the Lebanese Union for Persons with Physical Disabilities (LUPD), this women-led community kitchen is a beacon of hope for women with disabilities, who are using their skills, leadership, and determination to support their communities and uplift people in need amid unprecedented challenges facing the country. A Kitchen That Transforms Lives‘Access Kitchen’, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, trains women to prepare and distribute hot meals to underserved families. The initiative tackles Lebanon’s food insecurity caused by the crisis while promoting social inclusion, gender equality, and economic empowerment of women with disabilities. Before the conflict, Access Kitchen employed 40 women with disabilities to produce over 1,000 hot meals for vulnerable families living in Beirut.As Lebanon faced the devastating impacts of the war that significantly escalated in September 2024, the kitchen became a lifeline for displaced families and persons with disabilities, producing and distributing over 9,000 hot meals to those seeking refuge in collective shelters. Funded by the Government of Australia and previously by the Government of Japan, Access Kitchen scaled up its operations in October 2024, reaching even more vulnerable populations, including individuals living outside collective shelters. The World Food Programme (WFP) has also supported LUPD with in-kind contributions through raw materials to produce hot meals. Voices of Leadership and HopeThe women of Access Kitchen are more than chefs; they are leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Each one of them brings a unique perspective and drive to build a more inclusive society where every person counts, and every need is heard. Riwa Hattab, 21, reflects on her journey in a kitchen that has become a vital part of her life and her extended community family: “As a woman with a disability, I feel a strong sense of responsibility towards my community. The war may have made us more vulnerable, but it also showed us the power of solidarity,” she said. Highlighting how personal challenges can inspire determination and drive positive change, Riwa added, “My disability didn’t hold me back from delivering assistance; on the contrary, it fueled my resolve and determination. We can use our experiences to communicate, adapt, and promote inclusivity.“Today, we stand firm in asserting our right to a full and meaningful life while contributing to our community’s growth” - Riwa.For Samira Yamout, 26, the sense of pride and strength she gained was immense, let alone leadership. “Delivering hot meals to displaced families fills me with pride. I urge all women with disabilities not to succumb to vulnerability but to find strength within. By being leaders and supporting each other, together, we can show the world we are not just survivors but also leaders in times of crisis.” Hanan Bathatha, 31, highlights the great sense of fulfillment she found in serving others:
“Helping my community makes me feel I have a valuable role in society. It’s time to dispel the misconception that women with disabilities are not part of the solution. Let’s unite and show the world our potential to make significant contributions.” A Call for Inclusion and DiversityThe success of ‘Access Kitchen is a testament to what is possible when inclusion is prioritized. By equipping women with disabilities with the tools and opportunities to lead, this initiative proves that diversity is not a limitation but a strength.As we mark this significant day, the stories of Riwa, Samira, and Hanan inspire us to call for a world where people in their diversity, have the chance to thrive. These stories recognize women and girls with disabilities as rights holders and agents of change in all contexts. Their journeys remind us of the importance of giving voice to persons with disabilities, including women, ensuring their equal representation, upholding their dignity, and working together to build a more inclusive and resilient society. *** THE END***Discover the UN’s vision and unwavering commitment to the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Learn more at: https://www.un.org/en/content/disabilitystrategy/ . #InclusionMatters

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from left to right: Riwa, Hanan and Samira, posing in front of the Access Kitchen initiative’s roll-up.

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05 September 2024

Shaping a Greener Future: How the Greening Education Initiative Equips Young Minds for Sustainability

Implemented by UNESCO in partnership with the Center for Educational Research and Development (CERD) in Jounieh where it is located, the Green Demonstration Room plays a crucial role in preparing students to tackle environmental challenges. It provides essential knowledge and skills for a climate-ready future."If I were to build a house in the future, it would be environmentally friendly by relying on solar energy and wind turbines to meet the house's energy needs without polluting the environment." – Bahaa El Din, 14 years oldSince its activation, the Green Demonstration Room has made a significant difference. In 2023, it welcomed 525 students from 21 schools. This year, it has hosted 1582 students from 70 schools, showing the growing importance of environmental education. Students like Bahaa learn practical ways to support a sustainable future, such as using renewable energy and recycling.The program offers a well-rounded educational experience. It begins with a training at the Green Demonstration Room, where students engage in activities covering green building concepts, energy efficiency, water conservation, environmental issues, physical phenomena, cultural arts, and music. This holistic approach helps students gain a broad understanding of sustainability.Yara Constantine, a biology teacher, observes, "Through this day, the students have learned how to protect the environment in very simple ways." Students also learn about alternative energy sources; as Nivine Saab, a math teacher, notes, "They also learned how to produce electricity using alternative methods to the commonly known ones." Amal Al Qays, a supervisor and health advisor, shares, "We are very excited to go home and implement everything we have learned here." These testimonials reflect the transformative power of the Greening Education Initiative in shaping young minds to think and act sustainably. The hands-on experience and comprehensive educational approach inspire both students and teachers to embrace environmental responsibility.After visiting the Green Demonstration Room, students continue their learning through various school-based activities. They receive a Certificate of Commitment, pledging their dedication to environmental conservation. This certificate marks their transformation into climate action ambassadors, empowering them to promote sustainable practices within their communities. As agents of change, these students are committed to applying their newfound knowledge to inspire their peers and families, particularly within their schools and homes, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.Maysoun Chehab, Chief of Education and Senior Program Specialist at UNESCO Beirut Office, reflects, "The Greening Education Initiative in Lebanon, supported by UNESCO, is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring young minds like Bahaa El Din to envision and create an environmentally friendly world. By equipping Lebanese students with commitments, tools, and understanding to harness renewable energy and adopt sustainable practices, we are empowering them to become the architects of Lebanon's sustainable future, ensuring a greener tomorrow for their nation."Looking ahead, the initiative will expand its impact through several key activities. Upcoming events in 2024 will include significant training opportunities. In September, UNESCO Beirut will host 48 teachers and 24 principals from 24 schools for Teachers and Principals Training who will be trained by the Center for Educational Research and Development (CERD) experts. The training aims to equip school leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to integrate sustainable practices effectively within their institutions.Moreover, the development of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable education is moving towards completion. The Center for Educational Research and Development (CERD), supported by UNESCO, is finalizing a National Policy on Greening Education. This strategy is being shaped by a National Committee that includes representatives from nine key ministries, fifteen Lebanese NGOs focused on sustainability and youth, relevant agencies, the private sector, and parent representatives. Their collaborative work is crucial for establishing a unified approach to climate change education in Lebanon.The Greening Education Initiative is essential for equipping students, educators and their community with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to navigate the green and digital transitions. Through this initiative, education becomes a powerful tool for fostering environmental stewardship and preparing the next generation to tackle global challenges.

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13 August 2024

Breaking Chains, Building Lives – Aya’s Story

The Lebanese Council to Resist Violence Against Woman, or LECORVAW, is a non-governmental organization working with UNFPA support to combat gender-based violence. Aya is an 18-year-old Lebanese woman living with hemiplegia, a condition caused by brain damage or spinal cord injury that leads to paralysis on one side of the body. Aya is determined to prove that with dedication and resilience, anything is possible. As a person with a disability, Aya faced significant barriers in finding employment opportunities. Despite her qualifications and determination, employers often overlooked her potential due to misconceptions about her capabilities. She was also at heightened risk of exploitation and gender-based violence.Aya attended one of LECORVAW’s awareness-raising sessions on gender-based violence at the Rahma for Special Needs centre and enrolled in a LECORVAW skills-building class.Aya also attended a UNFPA-funded project at Rahma Medical Centre. There, she discovered her passion for soap-making. Her condition meant that she was initially unable to participate fully in the sessions. But with enthusiasm and determination, she succeeded in learning how to create beautiful fragrant soaps.Aya has started her own business selling handmade soaps. Starting her own business not only provided her with a source of income but also gave her a sense of empowerment. Her business served as a crucial means of safeguarding herself against potential gender-based violence. By establishing her own business and becoming financially independent, Aya gained a sense of autonomy and control over life that significantly reduced her exposure to such threats.At the end of the session, Aya asked to be included in LECORVAW's skills-building activities. She wants her success to inspire others to overcome their obstacles like she overcame hers: she has been sharing her knowledge and experience to empower those around her, especially her coursemates in the Rahma Centre.

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25 June 2024

Episodes of Resilience: Zyara and the Revival of Lebanese Culture

The series is the brainchild of Denise Jabbour and Muriel Aboulrouss. Before 2019, the cultural and creative industries were one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy of Lebanon. In 2019 it was estimated that they accounted for 4.75 per cent of the country’s GDP and employed 4.5 per cent of its official labour force. This figure rises to 20 per cent if the informal workforce is taken into account. The multifaced crisis facing Lebanon in the past four years has created huge difficulties for the cultural and creative industries. In the absence of opportunities and social protection, artists and cultural professionals have found themselves in difficult circumstances. Denise and Muriel were not immune to the crisis. “At the beginning of 2023, we had made the decision not to produce a new season”, says Denise. “Then the BERYT project came to our rescue.” The BERYT project supports proposals aimed at promoting and reviving culture and the arts. The project is led by UN-Habitat Lebanon. It receives funding from the Lebanon Financing Facility, administered by the World Bank. UNESCO is responsible for implementing the programme in connection with the cultural and creative industries. BERYT provides emergency grant assistance to artists and cultural practitioners in difficulty. Under the initial call for proposals, 93 grants were awarded; in 2024, there will be a second call, extending aid to vulnerable practitioners. This signals ongoing support for Beirut’s cultural revival. The BERYT project has given the Zyara team renewed dedication to continue their creative journey and embark on a new season. “The Lebanese community is a rich source of heartfelt narratives”, says Denise. “We’re confident that life will support us in overcoming any challenge, and we’re dedicated to safeguarding our nation and upholding our cultural identity.”

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Women learning and working with support from the BERYT Cultural and Creative Industries project, funded by the Lebanon Financing Facility, a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank.

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25 June 2024

Heritage Heroes: An Unprecedented collaboration to Safeguard Lebanon's Heritage

A tailor-made training course on protecting cultural heritage was delivered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tyre between July and September 2023.The course, which was delivered by the Lebanese NGO Biladi and endorsed by Cultural Emergency Response, consisted of 12 days of training, including field visits to museums and sites that had been reconstructed after being damaged in war.This initiative is a result of long-term cooperation between UNESCO and UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Armed Forces, the Lebanese Civil Defence and the Red Cross were also involved. This was the first time that these bodies had collaborated with archaeologists and the local community to better understand how to work together to protect heritage during emergencies. One month after they completed the course, the participants were unexpectedly asked to put the knowledge and skills they learned on the course into practice when they were called upon to evacuate a number of objects to the National Museum in Beirut. “Being trained with army officers helped us to evacuate the objects successfully, using best practices in heritage preservation”, says Ali Badawi, head of the archaeological sites in southern Lebanon. “This training helped me to understand and take pride in my heritage”, says Mariam Balhas, a Red Cross first-aider in Tyre. “I now know that I can play a role in preserving it, a consideration that never crossed my mind before.

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Press Release

18 January 2025

UN Secretary-General’s Press Encounter following his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate

I want to express the total support of the United Nations to the process that is taking place in Lebanon, in which with a new president, with a new prime minister that is forming a government, and opportunities created for Lebanon with also the completion of the ceasefire agreement with the withdrawal of the Israeli forces and the full assumption of responsibilities by the Lebanese Armed Forces.We are absolutely convinced that this will represent an extraordinary development for Lebanon and the United Nations is fully behind the President, the government of Lebanon to mobilize the international community to fully support Lebanon that must regain its position of the true center of the Middle East.Thank you.

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Press Release

17 January 2025

Lebanon: Signs of Hope amid Immense Challenges, says Türk at end of visit to Beirut

Masa al-khair, thank you for coming. I would like to thank the Government of Lebanon for hosting my visit. As you know, I returned from Syria yesterday. I came to this part of the Levant in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and of Syria. I arrived, I have to say, with a heavy heart, given the compounded traumas over decades in both countries, but I see signs of new beginnings. In Lebanon, despite the immense challenges, I feel there is hope for what lies ahead. The critically important ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel continues broadly to hold, albeit with worrying reports of continued demolitions by Israeli forces in towns and villages in southern Lebanon. The country’s resilient and courageous population is slowly starting to rebuild their lives. In recent days, a line was drawn under the two-year long political stalemate, with the election of a new President and Prime Minister, opening the door for reforms which will enable a better future for all Lebanese, who have endured years of socio-economic misery. With the election of this new leadership, there is momentum for political stability, economic recovery, and long-overdue implementation of critical reforms to address the multiple socio-economic crises and gaping inequalities facing Lebanon. Human rights offer a tool of governance. This was a very strong message that I conveyed.The country’s active and diverse civil society highlighted the importance of full respect for freedom of expression and association; for combatting discrimination on all grounds; for improving participation and representation of women, for guaranteeing full gender equality; for recognition and inclusion of people with disabilities; and for ensuring human rights protections for those most marginalised and at risk.Respect for human rights requires specific and continuing investment in the rule of law. Lebanon has a proud and storied history when it comes to the law and was once home to a law school that taught and educated legal students from all over the world. It is said that one-third of Roman laws came from Beirut. And in fact, the designated prime minister was the president of the highest court in the world – the ICJ.In my discussions with the new President and Prime Minister-designate, I offered my Office’s assistance in support of their commitments on the key reforms needed to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and transparency of its work. Equally important will be justice and prison reform to address, not least, the overcrowding and the dire conditions. I welcome the President’s public commitment to ensure equality; justice and protection for all; and respecting liberties, free press, and expression. I also took the opportunity to call for a resumption of an independent investigation into the explosion at the Beirut port in August 2020, which killed more than 218 people, wounded 7,000 others, including 1,000 children, and rendered hundreds of thousands homeless. I repeat that those responsible for that tragedy must be held to account and offer the support of my Office in this regard. Lebanon remains in one of the worst economic declines in modern history with a severe currency devaluation and triple-digit inflation affecting basic necessities all across the country. According to the World Bank, 44 per cent of the population are living below poverty line. Some 2.5 million people are in need food assistance, and of whom 1.26 million are facing acute hunger. Many public sector services have been halted, access to healthcare and education has deteriorated, and electricity supply has been significantly reduced. These deprivations have played havoc with the lives of ordinary citizens, who no longer have confidence in the ability of the State to deliver on its commitments. There is a need for a renewal of the social contract that rebuilds the social fabric, that restores confidence in the institutions of the State but also offers pathways for a dignified future that can harness the potential and capabilities of the Lebanese people and deliver on their aspirations. And I myself have always felt the richness and creativity of the Lebanese people. Notably the young women and men who played an important role in pressing for reform and will continue to play a vital role going forward. The rights of all Lebanese, most importantly the vulnerable, must be at the heart of economic, fiscal, and financial policies. That is what a human rights economy is all about. Budget and investment decisions must prioritise access to education, to health care, and social protection.I deeply feel for the immense suffering of the population in Lebanon on account of the recent conflict. Israeli military action in Lebanon has caused wide-scale loss of civilian life – including the killing of entire families, widespread displacement, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, raising serious concerns about respect for the principles of proportionality, distinction, and precautions. More than 4,000 lives were lost, including more than 1,100 women and children, and over 200 healthcare workers and some journalists, while more than 16,000 have been injured. Over one million were displaced at the height of the conflict here, with more than 160,000 people still in a state of displacement. The ceasefire in Lebanon must transition into a durable peace, and civilians must be able to return safely. My Office stands ready to strengthen our human rights work and to accompany the country as it moves forward. Shukran. ENDS For more information and media requests, please contact:Jeremy Laurence (travelling with the High Commissioner): jeremy.laurence@un.orgIn BeirutJessy Chahine: +961 70 119 102 / jessy.chahine@un.orgIn GenevaRavina Shamdasani: + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org Liz Throssell: + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.orgThameen Al-Kheetan: + 41 76 223 77 62 / thameen.alkheetan@un.org

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