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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24 July 2024

Whey – converting a dairy by-product into nutritious and affordable food

In Lebanon, the dairy industry produces more than 200,000 tons of whey each year. Only a small fraction of it is put to further use. Far more is wasted. When it is discharged into nature, whey causes severe environmental problems. Treating it in wastewater plants brings additional costs for companies. Under the European Union-funded SwitchMed programme, UNIDO has been working closely with industrial partners to develop innovative, nutritious whey-based food and beverage products customized to the needs of Lebanese dairy companies, particularly SMEs. The project has resulted in the development of three new whey-based products: whey-based fruit juices, whey-based ayran, and whey-based spreadable cheese. The project began with two companies participating. Since then, six more companies from Lebanon and the region have signed up to the project, keen to take advantage of the benefits of using whey in their products.One of the companies involved in the project is Skaff Dairy Farm. “We are a small dairy company”, its manager says, “so it was difficult for us to invest in the advanced technology needed to dry and concentrate whey. The technical support we received under the UNIDO project led us to develop an innovative approach in formulating our whey-based spreadable cheese. We were delighted with the results. Our spreadable cheese is not only tasty: it is also healthier than other products, many of which are made using non-dairy ingredients such as vegetable oils. We look forward to developing this project further and diversifying our product lines.”

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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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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

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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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

20 November 2024

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon briefs Security Council

The consultations focused on the forthcoming report of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and the escalation of hostilities across the Blue Line.With collective warnings and appeals unheeded, the Special Coordinator observed that one had not needed a crystal ball to see that the situation between Lebanon and Israel was bound to escalate. Amid a mounting casualty toll, mass displacement and widespread devastation, Hennis-Plasschaert told the Security Council that Lebanon now faces a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. She underscored that the machinery of war neither addresses the underlying issues nor enables citizens on either side of the Blue Line to return home.Despite all that had transpired, the Special Coordinator explained that both sides now have another chance to bring this devastating chapter to a close. Fortuitously, she said, the framework that can end the conflict already exists: resolution 1701. “It must be unambiguously clear, however, that the parties, this time around, can no longer pick and choose which provisions to implement while paying only lip service to others.” Hennis-Plasschaert stressed that neither side can afford another period of disingenuous implementation under the guise of ostensible calm. This would only beget another war, she added.Within this context, the Special Coordinator also stressed the critical need for the Lebanese state to come back into the equation. While emphasizing that solutions in one area must not create vacuums in another, she asserted that efforts to mobilize support for the Lebanese Armed Forces must focus on needs identified both south and north of the Litani river. Hennis-Plasschaert further noted that the economic fallout of the conflict would be far-reaching, exacerbating an already dismal socio-economic and financial situation, which is also plagued by pervasive and systemic corruption.Welcoming all donor contributions to date, Hennis-Plasschaert said that, with the Flash Appeal only 23.5 per cent funded, pledges should materialize into actual funding in line with the severity of the crisis.In closing, the Special Coordinator remarked that the Lebanese people were often characterized as “resilient” – a catchphrase that, by now, elicited disdain from many. She further stated, “Weary from an unrelenting cycle of crises, they simply seek – and deserve – a sustainable way forward, once and for all.”

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Press Release

20 November 2024

Lebanon’s Escalating Violence on Children

Despite more than 200 children killed in Lebanon in less than two months, a disconcerting pattern has emerged: their deaths are met with inertia from those able to stop this violence.For the children of Lebanon, it has become a silent normalisation of horror.In an effort to break that. Let’s look at just the past 10 days for children in Lebanon. On Sunday 10 November: Seven children were killed from the same extended family. The family of 27 – all killed – was seeking shelter in Mount Lebanon after fleeing violence in the south.On Monday, two more children were killed with their mother. Ten were injured.On Tuesday: 13 children were killed. 13 more were injured, including 8 year old Ahmad who is now the only survivor of the strike.On Wednesday: 4 children were killed, again having sought to flee fighting in the south.On Thursday: 3 children were killed, 13 were injured.Last Saturday (16 November): 5 children were killed, including 3 from the same family. Among the injured, Celine Haidar, a young football player in the National Lebanese team. She is in a coma due to a shrapnel in her head, from a missile that hit Beirut while she was trying to flee the area.And on Sunday: two 4 year old twin girls were killed.Indeed, over the past two months, more than three children have been killed in Lebanon, on average, every day. Many, many more have been injured and traumatized.We must hope humanity never again witnesses the ongoing level of carnage of children in Gaza, though there are chilling similarities for children in Lebanon.The hundreds of thousands of children made homeless in Lebanon;The disproportionate attacks, of which many frequently hit infrastructure children rely on. Medical facilities are being attacked and health workers are being killed at an increasing speed. As of November 15, more than 200 health sector workers had been killed, and 300 injured, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.Despite efforts in early November to open some schools for children in Lebanon, given widespread attacks over the weekend, all are again closed;The fourth chilling similarity to Gaza: the grave psychological impact on children. Alarming signs of emotional turmoil are becoming increasingly evident;And the most worrying parallel to Gaza: the escalation of children killed is eliciting no meaningful response from those with influence.In response to the humanitarian crisis: UNICEF has provided tens of thousands of blankets, sleeping bags, mattresses, hygiene kits, meals, hundreds showers and toilets. We supported the reopening of public schools, mobile health teams reaching children. We are providing psychosocial support to children; we are supplying tons of medical supplies to a health system under attack; and our work on water has meant 450,0000 people once again have access to safe water. This, despite the fact that UNICEF’s latest appeal is less than 20 percent funded. And, as the attacks intensify, the level of need intensifies.In Lebanon, much the same as has become the case in Gaza, the intolerable is quietly transforming into the acceptable. And the appalling is slipping into the realm of the expected. And once more, the cries of children go unheard, the world’s silence grows deafening, and again we allow the unimaginable to become the landscape of childhood. A horrific and unacceptable new normal. About UNICEFUNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.For more information about UNICEF and its work, visit unicef.org
Follow UNICEF on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeFor more information, please contact:
Tess Ingram, UNICEF Amman, tingram@unicef.org Joe English, UNICEF New York, jenglish@unicef.org

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Press Release

19 November 2024

Lebanon:34 cultural properties placed under enhanced protection

On 30 October, at the request of the Lebanese authorities, UNESCO convened an extraordinary session of the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. This was held on Monday at the Organization's headquarters in Paris. It resulted in the provisional inclusion of 34 Lebanese cultural properties on the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, including the World Heritage sites of Baalbek and Tyre, near to which strikes have recently been recorded.These 34 cultural properties now benefit from the highest level of immunity against attack and use for military purposes. Non-compliance with these clauses would constitute ‘serious violations’ of the 1954 Hague Convention and would constitute potential grounds for prosecution.The sites placed under enhanced protection will receive technical and financial assistance from UNESCO to reinforce their legal protections, improve risk anticipation and management measures, and provide further training for site managers in this area. Enhanced protection also helps send a signal to the entire international community of the urgent need to protect these sites.This emergency initiative falls within the framework of the 1954 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property and its Second Protocol drawn up in 1999. It complements the actions already undertaken by UNESCO in recent weeks to protect Lebanon's cultural heritage.Since the outbreak of hostilities, UNESCO has been in close contact with site managers, cultural professionals and national authorities. The Organization has offered its support in identifying emergency measures, inventorying museum collections, and moving works that can be moved to safe locations elsewhere in Lebanon.UNESCO is also carrying out satellite monitoring of historical and heritage sites, in order to assess their state of conservation and any damage they have incurred, in partnership with UNOSAT, the United Nations Satellite Centre.UNESCO has also set up an emergency programme for Lebanon covering the culture, education, information and communication sectors. The Organization is calling on its Member States to support the implementation of this programme with financial contributions. About UNESCOWith 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay. MoniaAdjiwanouPress officer (Heritage, Culture in Emergencies, Priority Africa)Phone: +33145680459

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Press Release

12 November 2024

ILO responds to Lebanon crisis with emergency assistance to displaced people

The ILO is implementing a multi-dimensional emergency plan to respond to the escalating crisis in Lebanon, as part of the wider UN response in the country.The Emergency Response Plan centres on enhancing social protection through immediate cash benefits, rehabilitating infrastructure at shelters housing displaced people, and more broadly sustaining jobs, enterprises and livelihoods, in keeping with the ILO’s mandate to advance social protection and ensure decent work opportunities and long-term economic sustainability.The violence has displaced over 1.2 million people, which is the equivalent of more than 20 percent of the country’s total population, two thirds of whom are children and women.“The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has reached unprecedented levels. Thousands of civilians have been killed and injured. Lebanon and its residents are in need of immediate and impactful support to mitigate the effects of this conflict. The ILO has spared no effort in working alongside national and international actors to support the Government, workers and employers. The ILO’s emergency response complements the humanitarian response and prepares the ground for recovery,” said ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat.The Plan is supported by ILO projects already underway in Lebanon, using internal resources and repurposed funds from the EU, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. It is being implemented in collaboration with national and local authorities, UN partners and worker and employer organizations.“I extend the ILO’s deep gratitude to our development partners for their support of this crucial response plan,” Jaradat said.The ILO response plan works to enhance living conditions for displaced families in collective shelters, while providing work opportunities for local community members within the vicinity of the shelters. Works include construction, refurbishment, clearing and cleaning works, communal cooking, and preparing buildings used as shelters for the upcoming winter months. The plan is especially vital in light of the financial and economic crisis Lebanon has witnessed since 2019, which has dramatically impacted the country’s institutions, public services, labour market and social protection system. The current displacement crisis has further strained the country’s already meagre resources.The Emergence Response Plan includes immediate measures the ILO has taken in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and UNICEF, to enhance social protection support vulnerable populations, such as advance payments to over 27,000 persons with disabilities, additional emergency top-up payments to over 5,000 beneficiaries, and a planned expansion of the emergency cash assistance to tens of thousands of others. The ILO is also collaborating with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and UN agencies to enhance the NSSF’s health insurance efficiency, aiming to expand social health protection for displaced and affected populations this month.In addition, the ILO and the Lebanon Ministry of Agriculture are also supporting farmers in maintaining vital agricultural production and safeguarding existing agricultural jobs and livelihoods by providing them with access to resources necessary for agricultural production, storage facilities and markets. The ILO is also running technical vocational courses in cooking and winter kit production, providing workers with new skills and job opportunities while supplying displaced people with food and essential items.The ILO is working with the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL) and the National Federation of Workers’ and Employees’ Trade Unions of Lebanon (FENASOL) in establishing crisis cells, and providing support to their displaced members, with a special focus on migrant communities who are often not able to access government-run shelters. It is also supporting the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) and strengthening its capacity to address the needs of enterprises and better support displaced communities.To assess the full impact of the war on Lebanon’s workers and enterprises, the ILO, in collaboration with workers' and employers' organizations, is also conducting a rapid assessment that uses surveys and qualitative interviews, to eventually inform policies and interventions and strengthen economic stability and resilience in the labour market.-End- About the ILO: Advancing social justice, promoting decent workThe International Labour Organization is the United Nations agency for the world of work. We bring together governments, employers and workers to drive a human-centred approach to the future of work through employment creation, rights at work, social protection and social dialogue.

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