The 4th of August has become an ominous day that will dwell forever in the memory of every Lebanese. On this fateful day, 214 people lost their lives, over 6,000 were injured and thousands found themselves without any shelter, their lives and livelihoods completely shattered. The damage was colossal on many fronts, caused by the unsafe storage of an enormous quantity of ammonium nitrate at the Port of Beirut for many years.   On the occasion of the first anniversary of this tragic day, the United Nations staff in Lebanon has united in grief to mourn the victims of this horrendous tragedy, and express their solidarity with their families and the injured and with the people of Lebanon at large who are bearing the brunt of the country’s socio-economic, financial and political crises. A minute of silence was observed at the Port of Beirut where the massive explosions erupted, in the presence of UN officials, ambassadors and the diplomatic corps in Lebanon. “Let us take this moment of silence to honor the memory of the victims of this terrible explosion, to show our solidarity with their families and all the Lebanese people,” UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka said before the minute of silence was observed at the Port. “A Minute of Silence will never console the pain of families of the victims of the Beirut Blast,” tweeted the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi on this solemn occasion. “Today we reflect on the suffering and sorrow of those who lost their loved ones in this dreadful tragedy, of the survivors and people of Lebanon and reiterate our call for a swift and impartial investigation,” she added. UN Staff Members recall and react Concurrently, other UN staff members observed one minute of silence in their respective UN offices to pay tribute to the victims and show their solidarity with their bereaved families and with their UN colleagues who lost their loved ones. “August 4 has been marked in every single Lebanese person. For me, time stopped there,” said Danielle Inaty, UNV National Specialist working with WHO office in Lebanon. “It has been a year already! Yet, I still live this tragic event over and over again.” Inaty observed a minute in silence with her colleagues in WHO office in Beirut and added with tears running down her cheeks: “scars may have healed, but we will forever remember this sad day. May the soul of the victims rest in eternal peace”.  UN staff were equally hit by this fatal explosion. They lost family members, relatives, friends and saw their houses falling into debris. Rana Dash, a Lebanese programme assistant working for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Lebanon, still remembers vividly what happened on that day. The minute she felt the shockwaves of the explosion from her house in Ashrafieh, Rana knew that people would need her help, so she sprang into immediate action. “I heard a huge explosion, followed by a tide of screaming and shattering glass. I grabbed my first aid kit and drove my damaged car to Gemmayzeh to help. My tires crunched on broken glass. It was the first time that I see so much blood in my entire life... People turned to prayers amid the tragedy, and my only concern back then was to stop people’s bleeding and save their lives.”  Elie Mansour, senior engineer and head of UN-Habitat Lebanon’s Urban Planning and Design Unit, was another UN staff survivor from the Beirut blast. He was still in the office working late when the blast went off. “The building shook. I started praying. The alarm sounded, the windows blew out of the walls, and the office’s interior partitions titled. The office was in complete ruins,” Elie said recounting his most horrifying moments that day. “Looking back, I know that my story does not compare with those of people who had their lives taken or changed forever on 4 August 2020, but for me it was a lesson that even through the hardest moments, hope should always prevail,” Elie added with a determination to stay hopeful despite all the hardships facing Lebanon. A joint EU-UN-WB position on the commemoration of the Beirut Blast The commemoration of the fatal explosions was also observed by the three principals of the European Union, the World Bank and the UN who are partners in the so-called “Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF)” that aims for a rapid transition towards Lebanon’s recovery with focus on governance, social protection, social cohesion, inclusion and gender, health, education, and housing. “365 days later, the people of Lebanon are still waiting for the justice promised by the country’s decision makers… 365 days later, the investigation continues to stall, without a truly independent judiciary able to block political intervention… 365 days later, we reiterate our call for an effective, independent and transparent investigation that can bring justice for the victims and peace for their families,” wrote Rochdi along with Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon, Ralph Tarraf, and the Regional Director of the Middle East Department of the World Bank, Saroj Kumar Jha in an Op-Ed published in local media on the same day. A year after the blast, grieving families continue to seek justice and truth for their loved ones, and the UN reiterates its call for a swift, independent and impartial investigation that guarantees justice to victims and ensures families’ right to remedy and reparation. A Conference in Support of the People of Lebanon Reaffirming its support for Lebanon one year after the devastating explosion, the UN co-chaired with France an international donor conference to boost aid and prevent a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Lebanon.  The conference responded to a UN humanitarian appeal for $370 million in emergency aid for the coming 12 months. This new appeal aims to save lives and to address the most urgent food security, water, sanitation, health and education needs of impoverished Lebanese and migrants. However, “humanitarian assistance cannot be a long-term solution”, read the co-chairs’ statement issued after the conference, calling first and foremost for a Government formation that implements reforms promised since the 2018 CEDRE Conference, the resumption of negotiations with IMF and the timely preparations of transparent and impartial 2022 elections. Participants in the conference reiterated their commitment to stand alongside the Lebanese people and expressed their determination “to make use of all available instruments to provide direct support to population.” But structural economic and financial assistance require profound changes by Lebanon leaders, concluded the statement.

Mimi is a migrant worker from Ethiopia who came to Lebanon eight years ago looking for a better future. She found work but endured years of salary theft, no days off, and beatings from her employer. She fled her job without her personal belongings—including her passport. “I ran away from abuse thinking my life would get better,” she says. And it did get better. Mimi took on freelance work, got married to someone she loves, a Sudanese refugee, and they had kids. But then, with the advent of the pandemic, she lost her job. “Now I am undocumented with unregistered children and an unknown future.” The UN in Lebanon was there to back her up, working with partners to provide cash assistance to 700 migrant workers and other people left behind during the pandemic. Mimi has gotten some much-needed support from the UN and partners. “Now,” she says, “I am able to see the light of my humanity and dignity again.” As COVID-19 swept the country, prompting shutdowns and interrupting the economy, the UN and partners trained thousands of healthcare and other workers on preventive measures. Rawan Chehadeh was one of the 282 nurses who benefited from trainings implemented by UN Lebanon with the Lebanese Orders of Nurses and the Ministry of Public Health. Also in response to the pandemic, the UN supported the establishment of community isolation sites for those unable to quarantine at home, procured 73 fully-equipped intensive-care-unit beds and 800 regular hospital beds, provided food parcels to 50,000 of the poorest Lebanese households, and is now assisting with the national vaccination program. On 4 August 2020, a massive explosion rocked the capital city of Beirut, triggering a series of smaller explosions, killing over 200 people, injuring thousands more and flattening whole neighborhoods. The UN in Lebanon was there to provide support, deploying expert relief response teams less than 24 hours after the explosions to assist with medical care, search and rescue operations, and assessing the health impact of the explosions. Ten days later, a UN-coordinated appeal for financial support was launched to respond to the most urgent needs of 300,000 people affected by the explosions. By the end of 2020, the appeal had raised US $165 million. The UN and partners helped restore water service to around 24,000 persons after the blasts, provided multi-purpose cash support to 91,552 persons, including cash for rent or shelter, and repaired or rehabilitated over 12,000 damaged homes, including that of 34-year-old Hala, who says, “Walking into our repaired home mended our broken hearts.” The ongoing crisis in Syria has driven many thousands of people to take refuge in Lebanon, seeking work and freedom from the bombs and guns that have imperiled their lives back home. The UN was there to provide support.  In 2020, and with the support of UN partners under Lebanon’s Crisis Response Plan, vulnerable Syrians and Lebanese were provided with safe water, food and cash assistance, as well as healthcare, legal aid and life-saving sexual and gender-based violence services. “2020 was an exceptionally challenging year for Lebanon, and the people are still feeling the shocks of it,” says Najat Rochdi, UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. The COVID-19 pandemic. The explosions in Beirut. The long crisis in Syria driving refugees into Lebanon. These events are widely divergent in nature, but they are all reminders of how catastrophe can strike at any time and in any form, and they call for people who are ready to respond. And these are just some of the areas where the UN responded. Indeed, the UN in Lebanon was built for such situations, and its work in 2020 is detailed in the new UN Lebanon Annual Results Report. “Whatever we at the UN do—responding to emergencies, promoting peace and good governance, protecting human rights, reducing poverty and gender inequality—our aim is always to serve Lebanon and its people.” Read more in the 2020 UN Lebanon Annual Results Report.

On August 4th, 2020, a devastating blast in a warehouse destroyed much of the centre of the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Many neighbourhoods were destroyed, downtown Beirut looked like a war zone. Thousands were injured and some 200 people tragically lost their lives on that day and the days that followed. For many, their property and livelihoods were literally blown away. “I had only been in my new position of UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon for three days when the devastating explosions ripped through Beirut Port. The effects of those explosions are still reverberating one year later. The country is striving to find a path to emerge from a tragedy that has touched every single person. The destructive fallout of August 4th intensified suffering in Lebanon, which was already reeling from civil unrest, economic and financial hardship, increasing poverty, and unemployment, compounded by political deadlock and a soaring number of COVID-19 cases. A year on from this tragedy, there is deepening hardship and mounting frustration. I met with many Lebanese people who gave voice and face to the deprivation and adversity that so many are experiencing in this country. People such as a 59-year-old homeless man called Youssef, whose dream is to have a roof above his head and a door that he can close when he sleeps and Cathy, who is 15, who has the simple desire to own a mobile phone so she can access online learning. Or Mirna, a 50-year-old teacher who used to make her own living and provide for her family, but can now only afford one meal a day and is obliged to ask for help. She told me with tears in her eyes “They took my dignity”. Situation ‘worsening by the day’ It is clear to me that the situation of ordinary people in Lebanon is worsening by the day. Currently, the UN estimates that more than one million Lebanese (out of a population of almost eight million, including more than two million refugees and migrants) need relief assistance to cover their basic needs, including access to food, health, education and water.  In addition, nine out of 10 refugees live in extreme poverty, an increase from 55 per cent from only a year before. Over half of the migrants in Lebanon say they were unable to meet their food needs, and the same number of migrants reported being unemployed (with the majority losing their jobs during the last quarter of 2020). Lebanon, which not so long ago was a high middle-income country, is now facing probably the worst financial and economic crisis in its modern history; over half of its population is living in poverty. It is perhaps not surprising that many people have lost trust in their leaders and institutions.   Support for a brighter future Despite the grim viewpoint, I believe, and so do many Lebanese, that the country has strong potential for a brighter future. In the immediate aftermath of the explosions the United Nations and its partners reacted quickly and decisively to save lives and provide emergency assistance to those affected. $167 million was generously received for the United Nations coordinated flash appeal, one of the best funded appeals in 2020.  Support was provided to hospitals and health care centres for continuation of basic services, including in relation to COVID-19; damage to houses was assessed and emergency shelter kits distributed to ensure immediate safety and protection; water connections, including pumps and tanks, were re-established; hygiene and baby kits, in addition to in-kind food parcels, were distributed; protection services and psycho-social and mental health support services were provided; resources were allocated for debris clearance efforts.  Essential repairs were also started for hospitals, primary health care centres, schools and housing, while the humanitarian community transitioned towards multi-purpose cash assistance in support of recovery, livelihoods and local markets. On the recovery side, the UN, along with the European Union (EU) and the World Bank, and in consultation with relevant stakeholders, developed the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework. Known as 3RF, it is a people-centered programme, anchored in participation, inclusion and social justice. It’s for the people and felt by them. It envisages a ground-breaking new way of working, which relies on partnerships, that bring together the presidency, government, parliament, civil society, private sector, and international partners, in addition to the EU, World Bank and UN to ensure the reconstruction of critical assets, services, and infrastructure for equal access to quality basic services, as well as the implementation of key reforms. Its forward-looking priorities, programmes and investments, include social inclusion and protection; housing and cultural heritage rehabilitation; municipal services and environment; and business recovery. Already, thousands of people have received legal assistance to deal with claims arising from the explosions. Several public buildings have been retrofitted with green technologies, health facilities have received critical medical equipment. Several schools and medical facilities have been reconstructed or partially rehabilitated. In this way, Lebanon is beginning the long and arduous process of building back better.   ‘Emergency assistance is not the solution’ But also, Lebanon’s recovery must coincide with reform. Emergency assistance is not the solution.
It is regretful that Lebanon’s leaders have been unable to reach agreement on the formation of a new government in the past 10 months, which has delayed urgently needed structural reforms to address the country’s numerous challenges. This is a critical moment in Lebanon’s history. The combined magnitude, depth and multi-dimensionality of the political, socio-economic and humanitarian crises facing Lebanon is unprecedented and presents an increasingly challenging landscape for the United Nations to implement its mandates.
But ultimately the responsibility for avoiding the total collapse of Lebanon lies primarily in the hands of its leaders.   UN stands by Lebanon Unfortunately, a year on from my arrival in Lebanon and the explosions which rocked Beirut shortly thereafter, the situation continues to deteriorate. The UN is developing a 12-month Emergency Response Plan that articulates collective priority responses to the critical humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable Lebanese and migrants affected by the situation; it complements the support already provided to refugees and host communities.  This is not a solution. It aims at linking with and preparing the transition towards solutions to address the root causes of the crisis, which will only come from structural reforms and Government-led comprehensive and sustainable development interventions, including the implementation of a full-fledged comprehensive and inclusive Government-led social protection strategy.  I have been inspired by the spirit, solidarity, and courage of the young Lebanese people. The UN will continue to stand by Lebanon as it continues on the path to recovery and ultimately fulfilling its potential. That said, the greatest capital is the human capital and Lebanon can count on its women and men. Those who pledged not to leave the country despite the situation, those who use their creativity, their entrepreneurship and their commitment to build a better Lebanon. Those are the best hope for Lebanon”. This story was produced and published by the UN News

“Vaccines are here! Hoping to get back to the things we love soon,” said most staff members, cheerfully while waiting for their turn at a Beirut hospital where the UN COVID-19 Vaccination Program kicked off on May 15. In order not to disrupt the National COVID-19 Vaccination program that is underway and managed by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the 1st jab was administered to staff members and their dependents over two consecutive weekends in May. This UN vaccination program is managed by the National Vaccination UN Coordinator, in coordination with the Global Vaccination Deployment Team, Lebanese Ministry of Public Helath (MoPH) and WHO Country Office in Lebanon. UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi said the UN vaccination program, which has been closely and successfully coordinated with MoPH, allowed thousands of staff members and their eligible dependents access to the COVID-19 vaccine at a time when the country is facing one of its worst socio-economic crises. “This helps reduce the burden on the government and ensure that more people get vaccinated to help flatten the curve on the virus and get back soon to the things and the people we love,” Rochdi said. “Our hope is that everyone in Lebanon, including migrants and refugees, get vaccinated,” she added. Present on site was the UN Joint Medical Service led by Medical Doctor Josette Sfeir and her team of nurses who worked relentlessly to ensure a successful process, coordinating efficiently between staff and the hospital personnel. “Today we reached an important milestone in our fight against COVID19. We committed to our staff’s health, safety and well-being and kept our promise by offering them easy access to the vaccine. It is only by protecting them that we can go back to normal and continue our joint mission to serve others,” said Dr. Sfeir. “The process was extremely easy and smooth. I’m grateful for the UN’s support and for offering us the vaccine. Today, I feel relieved and protected,” said Afif Barakat, security officer at ESCWA. “Like most staff members, I was thrilled to learn about the UN vaccination program in Lebanon. I’ve been working round the clock with all WHO staff to respond to the COVID-19 crisis since the very start of the pandemic, and I had seen what this virus can do to people. We all felt scared from this deadly disease and wanted to be protected,” said Hala Habib, communication officer with WHO Lebanon.