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25 November 2023
TVC - UN Lebanon 2023 campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
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24 November 2023
FAO and Lebanon's Ministry of Agriculture sign an agreement to enhance food and nutrition
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24 November 2023
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence kicks off in Lebanon as violence increases amid current multi-layered crisis
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The Sustainable Development Goals 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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17 March 2023
In Lebanon, UN deputy chief explores first-hand, challenges facing children and persons with special needs
During a visit to a center for street children in Beirut, Lebanon, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said: “Children should be allowed to be children. They should enjoy their rights to education, to health, to safe environment and to not feeling the pressures of an adult at a child’s age.”
She added: “We want to make sure that street children are an issue of the past. That’s what we will be working for day-in and day-out.”
Recognizing the unprecedented economic hardship that people in Lebanon are facing and renewing the UN’s commitment to supporting Lebanon to respond to increasing needs, are two main issues addressed by Ms. Mohammed while on a two-day official visit to Lebanon for the opening of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA).
On the margins of the forum, Ms. Mohammed made two visits, one to a center for street children and the other to a community kitchen run by women with disabilities, to explore, first-hand, challenges faced by two of the most vulnerable groups in Lebanon as a result of multi-layered crises that have left an estimated 80 per cent of the population residing in the country struggling with multidimensional poverty, which considers dimensions other than income, such as access to health, education and public utilities.
Advocate for children’s rights
While at the UNICEF-supported Drop-in Center for Street Children in Beirut, the Deputy Secretary-General on Monday engaged with the children through an art activity where they expressed in drawings their aspiration for a brighter future.
“I met today children that come here to learn. They are children and they have dreams. Watching them paint and write what their day should be is quite incredible. But they’re also very giving children seeing through their drawings and writings the help they want to offer their families and communities,” said Ms. Mohammed.
A ray of hope
The Drop-in Center provides psychosocial, medical, educational and social protection support for street-connected children who enjoy easy and safe access to recreational and play activities. It is being operated with support from UNICEF and partners Terres des Hommes Lausanne and Mouvement Social.
But like everything else in the country, the Beirut center cannot sustain operations without support.
Ms. Tamam Mroue, Executive Director of Mouvement Social, said they are doing their best to provide all services required to respond to children’s needs amidst the difficult circumstances the country is going through, “but, alone, we cannot cater to the growing needs. Work has to be done at the national governmental and policy levels to avert a catastrophe.”
Children protected and cared for
“Lebanon’s crisis is affecting every aspect of children’s lives. Investing in children’s protection, development and wellbeing is essential to ensure their rights are met under any circumstance. Lebanon cannot afford children to be nutritionally deprived, out of school, in poor health and at risk of abuse, violence and exploitation. Children are an investment, the ultimate investment, in a nation’s future,” said UNICEF Deputy Representative Ettie Higgins.
Connecting with other young people and playing in a safe environment are pivotal to children’s development and wellbeing. Around 1.8 million children are living in households that are more likely to resort to negative coping measures such as child labour and child marriage.
“We come here to play, to meet friends and to learn new things,” said Rasha, 15 and Hasan, 11.
Against all odds
On Tuesday at Access Kitchen, a UN-Women supported community kitchen set up by the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities (LUPD), the Deputy Secretary-General engaged with the women and joined them in preparing a meal.
“In the middle of the misery and complexities of this country, this place is like an oasis, a little piece of paradise,” Ms. Mohammed said. “This is a very hopeful place, and we need to do more of these. Women who work here realize their value and learn to become more confident, ambitious, and hopeful.”
Silver Lining
Women at Access Kitchen feel empowered and worthy. Nour Jammoul, 32, who suffers from paralysis, regained her self-confidence after working here. “Ever since I began working here, my life has changed. I restored hope and became financially independent, productive and responsible for myself. I like this place a lot and I am so happy to be here.”
It is estimated that 10 to 15 per cent of the Lebanese population have disabilities – either physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental. In 2018, 61.4 per cent of households in Lebanon were estimated to have at least one member with a disability. Yet, discrimination against persons with disabilities remains deeply entrenched and widespread. Women and girls with disability face stereotyping, stigma and discrimination daily, while Government protections are limited.
Access Kitchen is part of an effort to create employment opportunities for women with disabilities, the first of its kind in Lebanon. As of mid-January, the women of Access Kitchen have produced over 16,950 meals benefiting 1,822 individuals in the community. Access Kitchen has been supported by UN Women, initially under a joint programme with UNICEF.
“Behind the courage of those women lies stories of suffering and abandoned responsibilities by the Government. They wouldn’t have been in this position had society cared; the Government lived up to its responsibility and the international community managed to solve the problem of places like Syria so that refugees can go home,” Mohammed said.
For Rachel Dore-Weeks, UN Women Representative in Lebanon, women and girls there, including those with disabilities, face multiple discriminations. “This initiative is a way of reminding women with disabilities of their self-worth, bringing them back into the economy and proving to the external world that women with disabilities are a critical part of the community in Lebanon and can contribute to the economy.”
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28 September 2022
UN Lebanon Greening Restaurants: A Business with an Impact
"Generating profit might be easy, but it's hard to reach a point where you're proud of your work," says Aline Kamakian, 53, owner of Mayrig Restaurant in Beirut, Lebanon.
Over the past nine years, Aline has been working on reducing the environmental footprint of her business, and today she is transforming Mayrig into a zero-waste project with passion, perseverance, and hard work. Instead of throwing away leftovers, plastics, and glass bottles together in landfills, Aline transforms food waste into compost that nourishes plants and plastics and glass into new useful items despite the challenges.
From a Father's Dream to a Mother's Recipe
Aline launched Mayrig in 2003 to fulfill her father's dream of having a restaurant that serves authentic Armenian food. She has been working with Armenian mothers on creating recipes and platters and ended up calling the restaurant "Mayrig," which means mother in Armenian. "The restaurant's name salutes mothers for their efforts to preserve Armenian culture and traditions, and the business aims to support Armenian mothers by offering them job opportunities and ways to generate profit," Aline explains.
With wit and kindness, Aline convinced her employees about the importance of working towards greening her restaurant: "When we first started sorting, my employees thought that the extra tasks were inefficient and exhausting. But, with time, they started realizing the importance of sorting for Lebanon's environment. So today, they're keen on sorting and treating waste like we do."
Aline handled this process alone for nine years until the financial crisis hit Lebanon in 2019. With the devaluation of the Lebanese currency, business owners started moving towards reducing costs. As a result, the cost of sorting, composting, and recycling became an extra burden for Aline's business, and greening Mayrig was thus compromised for the sake of other priorities. "The high expense of transporting the food waste into the composting facilities threatened the sustenance of the initiative," Aline explains.
UN Lebanon Supports Green Restaurants & Circular Economy
Before giving up on her dream, Aline's last option was to resort to funding opportunities. Fortunately, UN Lebanon, through the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Regional Office for West Asia based in Beirut, was looking for restaurants in Mar Mikhael – Gemmayze area to partner with on targeting the waste problem in Lebanon. Under this project, which is part of the SwitchMed II Programme funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with local civil society organization NUSANED between July 2022 and June 2023, the UN is supporting Mayrig by collecting their food waste. "I no longer have to worry about managing the composting of food waste because someone is taking care of that," Aline explains.
Under the same project, UNEP regional office is also partnering with seven other restaurants in the same area by providing, through NUSANED, advisory services, and technical support around plastic waste management, food waste management, greening restaurants, and ways for allowing circular businesses to flourish.
In addition to restaurants, the UN is also working with households to raise their awareness on the importance of plastic prevention, reuse and recycle and incentivize them to contribute to circular economy. “For each kilogram of plastics that households put in our bins, they receive points that eventually become shopping vouchers at local businesses in the area, and this is one of the incentive mechanisms we will be using for the purpose of encouraging waste prevention under this project. This way, we are supporting families by increasing their purchasing power and local businesses by promoting their sales”, says Rasha Sukkarieh, the programme manager at NUSANED. She adds: “By doing this, we are creating a circular and more sustainable economy in the area.”
Today, Mayrig alone produces around 20Kgs of food waste and 4 to 7 Kg of plastic per day. In a country struggling with waste management, Aline hopes this initiative would reduce the negative impact of restaurants on the environment. "Multiply these numbers by 3000, which is the estimated number of restaurants in Lebanon. Imagine what all this plastic and waste are doing to our environment and health when dumped in the sea and on land?" Aline says.
Greening Restaurants is Colorful
In addition to reducing Mayrig's environmental footprint, Aline also relies on recycling to decorate her restaurant. She is turning wine bottles into colorful decorative chandeliers hung on the ceiling that cannot be missed when you enter the place. She also decorates her terrace with a green wall made from recycled plastic. For Aline, protecting the environment is vital for sustaining her business: "When you protect the environment, encourage tourism, attract new businesses, and sustain your business, it's a cycle!" Aline says.
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18 July 2022
UN Lebanon Supports Women-Led Cooperatives: Sustaining Productivity Amid Consecutive Crises
"I enjoy teaching other women food processing techniques and helping my neighbors find income generating opportunities. A lot of women across Lebanon are doing the same thing," says Samira Zoughaib Akiki, 58, the chair of Al Atayeb cooperative located in Kfardebian town, north of Beirut, Lebanon. In 2004, Samira and some other women established Al Atayeb (The Delicacies) cooperative to support their local community.
Samira’s Early Days in Food Processing
Samira began her career as a French language teacher at a local school in Kfardebian before she decided to follow her passion for cooking. One year later, in 2003, Samira resigned from teaching to enroll in a training for sewing and embroidery that Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) non-governmental organization (NGO) was organizing. As she interacted with more women, Samira realized that women villagers have very good food processing skills and that they are willing to share their knowledge. She worked with YMCA on introducing food processing workshops and eventually became a trainer in food processing. “Teaching other women food processing skills was my way of women empowerment. It also empowered me given that I was surrounded by generous women with a vision,” Samira says with a nostalgic tone.
The Cooperative Model
Although Samira enjoyed her work as a trainer, she was not fully satisfied; she wanted to do something more impactful for her community. "Knowing that locals obtain valuable agricultural and food processing skills and expertise, my colleagues and I decided to form a cooperative specialized in food processing. We believed that it would be the best business model because it helps create job opportunities for locals and divides profits equally among shareholders," Samira says.
Al Atayeb is a women-led cooperative specialized in producing Lebanese local and traditional food, such as citrus marmalade, fruit jam, fruit paste, and the famous Lebanese Makdous (Pickled eggplants in oil), and it follows the FDA criteria of food safety.
Today, the cooperative involves 13 women from various age groups who work in food processing. These women are also shareholders so they receive a share of the cooperative's profits, in addition to the salary they earn from working in food preparation and processing. “A cooperative serves the maximum benefit of the largest number of people possible, and it is a participatory form of group work that is rich with perspectives and ideas," she says.
The cooperative also supports farmers through buying their local crops and provides job opportunities to local workers who can perform necessary logistic and technical tasks that food processing requires.
UN Lebanon Supports Cooperatives
Similar to many cooperatives across Lebanon, Al Atayeb faced challenges that threatened its sustainability during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Lebanon was also reeling under the economic crisis. Not knowing how to counter the challenges, Samira and her partners learned that UN Lebanon was providing support to cooperatives across Lebanon and reached out for support.
UN Lebanon, with funds from the German Development Bank KfW, and through the UN Development Programme, mobilized 4.4 million USD to reduce the downturn impact of COVID-19 on cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs), and farmers. Under this project, UN Lebanon supported 94 cooperatives from different villages in Lebanon such as Deir Al Ahmar, Fneidek, Qana, Harissa, and Lehfed, with a focus on women, by providing cash for work and in-kind support such as raw materials, equipment, and tools. At least 6,000 individuals in Lebanon benefitted from this project, which helped them cope with the consecutive crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial crisis, and the notorious August 4 Beirut Port Explosion.
For Al Atayeb, "the UN provided monthly salaries for women to sustain their income, in addition to oil and sugar we use to produce our food, as well as the jars necessary for preserving produce," Samira says. "The type of assistance that the UN provided was very efficient because it addressed our financial needs; thus, replenishing our capital and compensating our losses. We were able to resume our activities at a time when many businesses were shutting down.”
By creating direct and indirect job opportunities, Al Atayeb cooperative has been a key factor in helping many families in Kfardebian survive the crises, making women proud of themselves and their community. "Our cooperative represents the values we believe in. We work with passion. We help our community and serve the public good," Samira says with a pride in her voice.
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11 August 2022
UN Lebanon Celebrates Youth: Say No to Hate
Dima El-Awar, 21, stands in front of the camera with confidence and ease. In addition to being a good speaker, a skill that every journalist would yearn to master, Dima is keen on promoting positive speech and accurate information. Coming from Falougha, a small yet breathtaking village in Mount Lebanon, Dima was hesitant to pursue her dream career in journalism because she thought she was not good enough for this job.
“As a young girl, I always received hateful comments about my personality and clothing style. Some people told me I was too loud; others said that I did not match the beauty standards of TVs and public figures because I did not dress up like girls. Although I used to feel bitter for receiving such comments in the past, today I smile and respond with positivity in an attempt to change other people’s attitudes,” Dima says.
Before reconciling with these negative comments, Dima studied Chinese translation instead of journalism. With time, she recognized that she should not have given up on the dream of her life because of other people’s opinions, so she transferred to studying journalism. “I didn’t want to regret not pursuing my passion when I’m old, so I decided to get over other people’s opinions and to listen to my inner voice,” Dima says with a smile.
UN Lebanon Helps Youth in Lebanon Counter Hate
In a training that UN Lebanon, through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), organized to help youth combat hate speech and misinformation under the “Youth Countering Hate Speech and Misinformation” project, Dima listened to other people’s experiences with hate speech and realized that everyone is susceptible to hate.
Dima learned about the various forms of hate speech, its impact on people, and ways for combating it so she eventually became more resilient and skillful in dealing with it. “When I understood that hate speech expresses the other person’s problems not mine, I started accepting myself. I also started accepting others for who they are and seeing the beauty in everyone,” Dima says.
The training helped Dima realize that she had taken the right decision by transferring to journalism because “journalism plays a positive role in the community as it can counter hate speech and misinformation through positive speech and accuracy,” Dima says. It also helped raise her awareness on the importance of combating hate speech and putting an end to “bullying, destructive criticism, and marginalization of anyone based on their identity.”
With funds from the Government of the Netherlands within its support to UNESCO's flagship initiative Li Beirut, and in collaboration with May Chidiac Foundation- Media Institute, UN Lebanon trained 15 youth from different regions and universities in Lebanon on media and information literacy, access to information, combatting hate speech, and countering misinformation. Under this project, the young participants produced 12 social media episodes about hate speech and misinformation after they were trained on the technical strategies for producing social media segments.
Youth: Positive Actors at Heart
Dima has always been keen on positively impacting her community and this has been manifested in her volunteering with the Lebanese Red Cross in Falougha as a paramedic and emergency medical services volunteer for the past 7 years. “Volunteering allows me to be close to people. Through volunteering, I can show solidarity to people of all ages, gender, and socioeconomic classes,” Dima says with pride.
As a believer in the importance of giving back to the community, Dima is eager to counter hate speech from her role as a young person and a future journalist. “Young people can play a major role in countering hate speech because they are the future generation. They also have the power to change perspectives, are resilient, and accept diversity,” she says. After she overcame the influence of hate speech, Dima is today more confident to stand in front of the camera and to highlight the beauty of Lebanon.
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02 December 2022
UN and University Students in Lebanon Team Up in a Vigorous Debate on SDGs, triggering Young Voices of Change
“The Way We Shop: Is it Sustainable?” A probing question that spurred a flurry of arguments and opposing views from around 100 young students on Thursday 24 November. The debate took place at the heart of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in a green environment made up of recycled materials and environmentally friendly furniture.
Two groups of young students, composed of 10 young men and women each, played the role of opponents and proponents of sustainable lifestyles and shopping habits that help curb climate change.
“Each one of us has a responsibility vis-à-vis our mother nature and can take simple actions that help save our planet,” said a third-year USEK student who volunteers in the university’s Green Committee that was established to advance USEK’s environmental management and engage students in sustainable initiatives. “Personally, I’m leading an upcycling initiative of chips and chocolate wrappers that can’t be recycled, and turning them into aprons, pouches, and bags that I eventually sell to help people in need with whatever income I get,” she explained.
Other similar initiatives were enthusiastically shared by other young students as part of preserving Lebanon’s environment and supporting sustainability efforts. “It’s time to become more conscious about our habits in food and fashion, and to stop being intellectually lazy!” asserted another proponent student favoring sustainable lifestyles over unsustainable harmful consumption habits.
The session started with an interactive informative presentation delivered by UNIC Beirut on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a dialogue with the youth on their perceptions of the SDGs and the resulting actions they were taking to implement the Global Goals in Lebanon, such as reducing the use of plastics, shopping consciously, carpooling and others. The learning session featured a video on the UN, an animated video on the SDGs, and a PR stunt on recycling produced under the UN Communication Group #TakeAStep media campaign on the SDGs.
The students’ debate was followed by an engaging discussion and presentation by experts from the UN Environment Program Regional Office for West Asia focusing on climate action, resource efficiency, and sustainable consumption and production. The presentation was followed by a Q&A session that helped expand students’ knowledge of the global goals and explore effective ways to reduce plastic, food, and fashion waste, including through reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling, as well as taking action on impactful environmental issues.
The session ended with pop quizzes administered by both UNIC and UNEP representatives to test the level of acquired knowledge among the attending students. UN-branded promotional items were awarded to those who provided correct answers.
“We really enjoyed it! It was fun and informative at the same time”, said a few young attendees, expressing their appreciation and interest to have more interactive specialized sessions on the SDGs and to collaborate on advocacy projects with the UN in the future.
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22 September 2023
The United Nations is supporting a journey to reconciliation, healing, and peacebuilding in Lebanon
Lebanon has witnessed since the civil war (1975-1990) a series of conflicts that fueled tensions. This violent past has gone undealt with. To address the wounds of violence in Lebanon, a UN-supported program entitled "Dealing with the Past: Memory for the Future" works on fostering cross-community dialogue and peace and seeks to promote and support reconciliation, re-establishing dignity for victims of war as well as restoring peace and preventing conflicts.
This initiative, a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is supporting civil society, individuals, and institutions in their efforts to seek the truth, foster collective remembrance and, ultimately, move towards reconciliation around the legacy of the Lebanese Civil War.
The driving force behind this program is the belief that healing can only begin when the community acknowledges its past, embraces its history, and collectively strives for reconciliation. By focusing on retellings of Lebanon’s history from different perspectives and dialogue among communities, UN Lebanon through UNDP and UN Women is helping pave the way for a lasting peace. A Leap in History Teaching In the context of this program supported by the Swiss Embassy to Lebanon and Syria and the UN peacebuilding fund, UNDP partnered with the Lebanese Association for History (LAH) among other partnerships and collaborations. This partnership has yielded several significant outcomes. It has supported CERD by incorporating strategies and methodologies that contribute to Dealing with the Past. It has played a crucial role in enhancing teachers' capacities to foster historical thinking and employ historical methodologies that promote multi-perspectivity, gender sensitivity, and the handling of multiple narratives with a focus on conflict-sensitive communication. It has reinforced the sense of community among history educators from diverse backgrounds across the country, facilitating dialogue among them. It has also led to the establishment of a team of trainers, addressing a significant shortage of history teaching trainers, with 34 individuals undergoing intensive training. Lastly, it has supported in creation of digital resources and has been instrumental in shifting towards a multi-narrative approach based on source analysis, moving away from a simplified single-narrative approach. For the LAH president Dr. Amine Elias, “We have prepared an infrastructure for history teaching. We made a leap from traditional history teaching where a teacher explains, and students memorize to creating an engaging class where participants analyze and debate facts to produce their own historical narratives that are inclusive and take into consideration all views.” “We have empowered trainers to train teachers in private or public sectors across Lebanon on new techniques and ways of teaching history to transmit the idea that history connects the past with the present,” Elias continues. He emphasizes the importance of having a new history curriculum for schools in Lebanon; one that is flexible and comprehensive and takes into account the diversity of the Lebanese society. One teacher, Jihane Francis, participated in the Training of Trainers program facilitated by LAH. Jihane, a teacher and coordinator at Brummana High School, has embraced the program’s educational approach and used the skills she acquired, “I introduced these approaches with my students, I focused on building dialogue and critical thinking. When we succeed in training students to listen to each other and acknowledge the existence of multiple perspectives and to respect each other's opinions, we would be promoting a culture of non-violent communication among them.” For her, the new approaches are contributing to profound transformations in students' perspectives on the past, “Students from different backgrounds are openly engaging in conversations about the past. One student told me: I would never consider carrying a weapon!”, Jihane says. Jihane describes this journey as building a bridge between the past and the future for this young generation who did not experience the war. The trainings which Jihane attended has empowered her on a personal level. “The trainings sharpened my ability to express myself and accept people from different backgrounds,” she says. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
The driving force behind this program is the belief that healing can only begin when the community acknowledges its past, embraces its history, and collectively strives for reconciliation. By focusing on retellings of Lebanon’s history from different perspectives and dialogue among communities, UN Lebanon through UNDP and UN Women is helping pave the way for a lasting peace. A Leap in History Teaching In the context of this program supported by the Swiss Embassy to Lebanon and Syria and the UN peacebuilding fund, UNDP partnered with the Lebanese Association for History (LAH) among other partnerships and collaborations. This partnership has yielded several significant outcomes. It has supported CERD by incorporating strategies and methodologies that contribute to Dealing with the Past. It has played a crucial role in enhancing teachers' capacities to foster historical thinking and employ historical methodologies that promote multi-perspectivity, gender sensitivity, and the handling of multiple narratives with a focus on conflict-sensitive communication. It has reinforced the sense of community among history educators from diverse backgrounds across the country, facilitating dialogue among them. It has also led to the establishment of a team of trainers, addressing a significant shortage of history teaching trainers, with 34 individuals undergoing intensive training. Lastly, it has supported in creation of digital resources and has been instrumental in shifting towards a multi-narrative approach based on source analysis, moving away from a simplified single-narrative approach. For the LAH president Dr. Amine Elias, “We have prepared an infrastructure for history teaching. We made a leap from traditional history teaching where a teacher explains, and students memorize to creating an engaging class where participants analyze and debate facts to produce their own historical narratives that are inclusive and take into consideration all views.” “We have empowered trainers to train teachers in private or public sectors across Lebanon on new techniques and ways of teaching history to transmit the idea that history connects the past with the present,” Elias continues. He emphasizes the importance of having a new history curriculum for schools in Lebanon; one that is flexible and comprehensive and takes into account the diversity of the Lebanese society. One teacher, Jihane Francis, participated in the Training of Trainers program facilitated by LAH. Jihane, a teacher and coordinator at Brummana High School, has embraced the program’s educational approach and used the skills she acquired, “I introduced these approaches with my students, I focused on building dialogue and critical thinking. When we succeed in training students to listen to each other and acknowledge the existence of multiple perspectives and to respect each other's opinions, we would be promoting a culture of non-violent communication among them.” For her, the new approaches are contributing to profound transformations in students' perspectives on the past, “Students from different backgrounds are openly engaging in conversations about the past. One student told me: I would never consider carrying a weapon!”, Jihane says. Jihane describes this journey as building a bridge between the past and the future for this young generation who did not experience the war. The trainings which Jihane attended has empowered her on a personal level. “The trainings sharpened my ability to express myself and accept people from different backgrounds,” she says. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
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14 September 2023
UN Lebanon Supporting Firefighters’ Mission in Saving Lives
“When we receive a rescue call, all we ask about is the fire site, neither caller identity nor nationality matters to us,” says Oussama Al Abouchi, sergeant at Al-Fayhaa Fire Brigade.
Al-Fayhaa Fire Brigade located in the northern town of Tripoli, is a place that sergeants Oussama Al Abouchi and Hassan Zoabi call home. A home in which they endured living conditions that seemed a world away from the comfort they deserve.
“This place was uninhabitable. We had no electricity, no hot water, no basic commodities,” Hassan says.
They carried out their missions despite the hardships. “We used to finish our missions and go shower at home,” says Oussama. “There was a lack of and shortage in equipment, machines, staff, and trainings,” says Dima Homsi, Director of Urban Community Al-Fayhaa.
The lives of firefighters saw a dramatic change after the newly rehabilitated and equipped building that is the result of a joint initiative ‘The Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project’ by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). It is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (MoIM) and funded by the European Union (EU).
Walking through the recently revitalized building, “It’s like we moved from a primitive life to a civilized life,” Hassan says.
“The rehabilitation started from scratch and covered all aspects such as electricity and sanitary. They even provided furniture and beds and they will be providing a sports hall,” Oussama says.
The transformation, however, doesn't end with walls and ceilings. New equipment was provided such as firefighting trucks, escape ladders, portable road safety barriers, fire extinguishers, protective jackets, trousers, hoods, and boots, in addition to a long list of firefighting and sports equipment. "Now, we can respond faster, cover more ground, and make decisions that can save lives,” Oussama says.
The rehabilitation hasn’t included physical enhancements only to the fire brigade but it extended to include hands-on trainings as well. Training sessions on firefighting techniques and life-saving procedures have become a cornerstone of the brigade's routine. Al Fayhaa Fire Brigade Firefighters have received specialized training in first aid from the Lebanese Red Cross and advanced firefighting techniques from the civil defense. They were also trained on mapping and inspection of buildings in four selected pilot areas to enhance at later stages public safety in the four cities members of the union.
“Trainings we received largely benefitted us on the field. We are now better equipped to handle challenging scenarios during fire incidents and rescue operations.” “We learned new techniques and methods; some approaches we used to think were right, proved to be wrong,” Hassan and Oussama say respectively.
Notably, over 450,000 residents across the four cities of the Urban Community of Al-Fayhaa, including Tripoli, Al-Mina, Al-Beddawi, and Qalamoun benefit from the rehabilitated and equipped fire brigade building.
“Our mission is to save people's lives and properties; It remains unchanged, but our ability to fulfill it has evolved”, says Oussama.
Within the current unfolding crisis, UN Lebanon with generous support from the European Union is supporting local authorities in maintaining basic services under this project. However, the crisis has majorly affected all segments of society including firefighters. “We are grateful for the UN’s support, but we lack financial support and health benefits. Sometimes we cannot afford the cost of the trip to the brigade,” Hassan says.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO STORY BELOW.
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29 August 2023
Access Kitchen – Women helping their communities & advocating for the rights of Persons with Disabilities
In a calm neighborhood nestled between the busy streets of Mar Mikhael in Beirut, a heartwarming haven known as ‘Access Kitchen’ flourished. It is Lebanon’s first community kitchen led and run by a group of women with disabilities. It provides income-generating jobs for 58 women and offers daily 138 hot meals to vulnerable people in nearby areas.
When you enter the kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked dreams and the sizzle of determination create the perfect recipe not just for meals, but for the empowerment, inclusion, and boundless potential of the women working in the kitchen.
Women of all ages, some with various disabilities, and some caring for family members with disabilities meet at this kitchen, each bringing their unique skills and stories to the table.
This inclusive space is the result of a partnership between UN Women and the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities (LUPD), established by the Government of Austria as part of a joint project with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), “Emergency Livelihoods for Affected Marginalized Populations in the Beirut Explosion Area,”. The support was continued with the support of the Government of Japan and the Government of Australia.
Paving the way
Sylvana Lakkis’ journey towards becoming an advocate for the rights of persons, particularly women with disabilities started at a young age. “I realized at an early age that the hardship I was facing were not solitary battles but were related to unclaimed rights,” explains Sylvana.
Sylvana has a disability resulted from Polio, she, herself has experienced first-hand discrimination because of having a disability. A notable moment for Sylvana was after graduating from college, only to find that employment opportunities were almost non-existent for persons with disabilities. “This is where I kicked off and began the activism journey,” she says.
Sylvana became the President of the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities (LUPD). Motivated by her own journey, coupled with the plight people with disabilities face in Lebanon, the prevalent biases they confront and the Beirut blast resulting in disabilities, she made it her mission to foster inclusivity. This is how Access Kitchen was born.
“Access kitchen, which includes women with different types of disabilities coming from various nationalities and different backgrounds, is an opportunity that paves the way towards inclusive employment and therefore an inclusive economy,” she says.
Sylvana endeavors to connect with women living with disabilities in Lebanon on both a personal and professional level. She reaches out to them directly or engages with organizations and municipalities, particularly in the aftermath of the Beirut Blast.
Driven by determination
Luna Yammine is a spirited graphic designer. She has a mobility impairment and has faced various challenges, specifically at the community and family level around social and gender norms. “I was born in a society that marginalizes persons with disabilities and this created many challenges for me. In our society, women are already vulnerable let alone women with disabilities,” explains Luna.
Luna continued to struggle with the perceptions placed on her, especially when it came to searching for a job. “My parents rejected the idea of me joining the workplace, they wondered who is going to hire a person like me,” says Luna. Recognizing her right to work and driven by her determination, Luna did not lose hope and kept searching for job opportunities, until she joined Access Kitchen as a graphic designer.
With her keen eye for design, she lends her creative touch to the kitchen. She crafts vibrant posters and campaigns, spreading the word far and wide about this unique initiative that was bound to stir hearts and change lives. Luna is determined to prove that her disability is not a barrier to her talents, “I can work like everybody else and be an active community member,” Luna says.
This experience is benefitting her on many levels, “this project has empowered me, boosted my self-confidence, and enhanced my financial stability,” Luna says.
In a nearby corner of the same kitchen, there is Aya Ezzo – A woman with a visual impairment, who discovered Access Kitchen through an outreach Facebook post. It was Aya’s first-ever job, as a kitchen worker. She has embraced her tasks and become an integral part of this community.
“Access Kitchen changed my life; I became more independent physically and financially. I can pay my university tuition fees and offer financial help to my family,” Aya says.
The challenges Aya faced as a person with a disability were not limited to employment, she speaks about challenges at school, at university, and while moving around in the streets.
Aya is proud of what she has learned through this impactful experience, especially through sessions on disability and gender-inclusive rights, and the labor laws in Lebanon. “I now know my entitlements as a woman with a disability. I am more confident, and I can express myself without feeling ashamed of my disability.”
Be the change
Operating since June 2022, Access Kitchen became a vibrant hub of camaraderie and shared aspirations built on the common challenges of women. Its members empower one another and break down barriers with each day passing. “Not only did I exchange cooking-related knowledge with other women working in the kitchen but also ways to stand against obstacles”, Aya says.
“Sharing their individual experience on overcoming challenges and discovering solutions among these women became a valuable lesson for others, marking a significant step towards embracing inclusive employment. Access kitchen is one of the main ways to fight hunger and poverty and to contribute to Lebanon’s advancement,” Sylvana says.
“To all women out there who continue to face the challenges of discrimination and marginalization, believe in the power within you. Seize your rights with unwavering determination. Your potential to contribute, thrive, and stand on your own is boundless. Every and each one of you can be productive, active and ,independent. Be the change,” Sylvana sends a message to all women.
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Story
05 September 2023
UNIC Beirut, UNDP Lebanon advocate for greater youth political participation in Lebanon
To mark International Youth Day, the United Nations Information Centre in Beirut (UNIC Beirut) and the United Nations Development Programme in Lebanon (UNDP Lebanon) joined forces on a month-long social media campaign as part of galvanizing support for young people’s political participation and amplifying their voices in public life.
Under the global #BeSeenBeHeard and #YouthLead campaigns launched by the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, UNIC Beirut produced a series of four videos capturing the perceptions of young Lebanese women and men on how to foster youth political participation for a more inclusive and representative political system in Lebanon.
The production of the videos entailed touring the campuses of local universities and interviewing students from different backgrounds and fields of study, who proposed possible solutions and opportunities for youth to engage in political and decision-making processes.
The videos have been widely promoted on UNIC Beirut, UNDP Lebanon and UN Lebanon’s websites and social media platforms, including TikTok. They can be watched on our present website in this section or on UNIC Beirut’s YouTube channel.
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Story
10 August 2023
UN-initiative 'Tour in Sour': introducing green means of transportation in Lebanon
Khadeja Salim and Hussein Kahwaji are now navigating the streets of the southern port city of Tyre, one of the oldest cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lebanon, on two-wheeled rides.
It all began with the launch of two public bike stations, strategically placed at prominent locations within the city of Tyre. “It is a brilliant initiative not only for Tyre residents but also for those visiting the city,” Hussein says, a Tyre resident.
UN Lebanon is promoting the cycling culture among the different segments of Tyre community by establishing two public bike stations in the city through a bike-sharing initiative that is facilitated by UN-Habitat's City-to-City partnership between the Swiss city of Zurich and Tyre municipalities. It aims to nurture a shift towards diversifying transportation options in the city, one step at a time.
These bike stations have become vibrant hubs that serve as meeting points for residents seeking a new way to navigate their city and accomplish daily errands. Hussein visits the station daily, and Khadeja, a couple of times a week; they select a bike, hop onto the seats and off they go, pedalling their way to run various errands, roam the city and shop.
“I use the bike for grocery shopping, buying bread, and going to the beach. The city is small; I tour its busy streets on the bike,” Hussein says. “I enjoy roaming the city and visiting Tyre Reserve and Al-Mina sites. I once used it to go to the ATM to withdraw my salary,” Khadeja says. Bikes in Tyre present an affordable and cost-effective alternative to private cars and motorcycles allowing individuals to save money on fuel, parking and public transportation costs, especially amidst soaring fuel prices in Lebanon. Hussein and Khadeja both experienced cost savings by using bikes from these stations. They were offered a convenient way to incorporate exercise into their routines promoting a healthy lifestyle; for Hussein, he exercises in an indirect way while pedaling to the shops. The bike-share initiative provides a flexible transportation option for trips in the city and offers individuals the freedom to easily access bikes when needed. “Whenever I want, I go to the bike station and rent a bike to run my errands and sometimes for recreational purposes. The affordable rental fee makes it even more convenient for us,” Khadeja says.
For Hussein, the trip that takes him an hour to drive in a car takes him minutes on a bike and he never worries about finding parking spots for the bikes, unlike cars. Through this initiative, accessibility within the community was also enhanced making it easier for people to reach various destinations including ones that are not reachable by cars such as the old souk, and alleyways next to Al-Mina and Corniche. “I navigate Al Hara’s narrow path, enjoying the scenery without bothering its inhabitants with vehicular noise pollution,” Hussein says. “People are encouraging each other to use bikes and more residents are embracing the cycling culture in Tyre,” says Hassan Srour, Mobility Coordinator and GIS officer at the municipality of Tyre. “Tyre is much nicer without car traffic. We hope everyone in Tyre embraces the cycling culture,” said Hussein and Khadeja.
“I use the bike for grocery shopping, buying bread, and going to the beach. The city is small; I tour its busy streets on the bike,” Hussein says. “I enjoy roaming the city and visiting Tyre Reserve and Al-Mina sites. I once used it to go to the ATM to withdraw my salary,” Khadeja says. Bikes in Tyre present an affordable and cost-effective alternative to private cars and motorcycles allowing individuals to save money on fuel, parking and public transportation costs, especially amidst soaring fuel prices in Lebanon. Hussein and Khadeja both experienced cost savings by using bikes from these stations. They were offered a convenient way to incorporate exercise into their routines promoting a healthy lifestyle; for Hussein, he exercises in an indirect way while pedaling to the shops. The bike-share initiative provides a flexible transportation option for trips in the city and offers individuals the freedom to easily access bikes when needed. “Whenever I want, I go to the bike station and rent a bike to run my errands and sometimes for recreational purposes. The affordable rental fee makes it even more convenient for us,” Khadeja says.
For Hussein, the trip that takes him an hour to drive in a car takes him minutes on a bike and he never worries about finding parking spots for the bikes, unlike cars. Through this initiative, accessibility within the community was also enhanced making it easier for people to reach various destinations including ones that are not reachable by cars such as the old souk, and alleyways next to Al-Mina and Corniche. “I navigate Al Hara’s narrow path, enjoying the scenery without bothering its inhabitants with vehicular noise pollution,” Hussein says. “People are encouraging each other to use bikes and more residents are embracing the cycling culture in Tyre,” says Hassan Srour, Mobility Coordinator and GIS officer at the municipality of Tyre. “Tyre is much nicer without car traffic. We hope everyone in Tyre embraces the cycling culture,” said Hussein and Khadeja.
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Press Release
28 November 2023
FAO and Lebanon's Ministry of Agriculture sign an agreement to enhance food and nutrition
The project aims at increasing the adoption of gender-responsive, nutrition-sensitive good and climate smart agricultural practices, and improving the performance of fruits and vegetables value chains as well as the enabling environment in which value chain actors operate.
It also aims at increasing resilience to climate and economic shocks of fruits and vegetables value-chains for an enhanced food and nutrition security in Lebanon.
Small-scale fruits and vegetables farmers – women in particular – and their organizations will be supported to increase their technical and organizational skills to participate more effectively in selected value chains and increase their income.
Input producers, processors, and traders are also supported to develop their business strategies and activities to adopt innovative and modern technologies at the production/marketing and processing levels, to become more competitive, inclusive, sustainable and responsive to farmers’ needs. Farmers, their associations, and cooperatives will be empowered to coordinate their strategies and activities thus making safer, healthier and more affordable food available. This will contribute to increasing resilience of food systems.
This project allows to foster the strategic partnership between the Government of Canada, the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, and the Food and Agriculture Organization to support the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Lebanon.
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Press Release
24 November 2023
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence kicks off in Lebanon as violence increases amid current multi-layered crisis
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, an estimated 736 million women – almost one in three – have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life.[1] There are many different forms of violence against women—physical, sexual, psychological and economic. Violence against women has far-reaching consequences for women, their children, and society as a whole. Women who are subjected to gender-based violence suffer a range of health problems, and their ability to earn a living and to participate in public life is diminished. Their children are significantly more at risk of health problems, poor school performance and behavioral disturbances.
In Lebanon, women and girls are increasingly facing gender-based violence (GBV) at home, at work and in the public sphere. In 2020, 43 per cent of women and 30 per cent of men reported witnessing violence or knowing a woman who had experienced violence[2]. Preventing violence against women and girls requires long-term, concerted efforts and a multidisciplinary approach that includes raising awareness on the negative consequences of violence against women; addressing the root causes of the problem by changing discriminatory social norms and gender stereotypes through the engagement of all of society; empowering women and girls in the economic, political and social spheres to enhance their resources and skills and strengthening access to justice for women and girls survivors of violence and ending impunity for perpetrators of violence against women and girls.
This year, the UN, Gender Working Group (GWG), Gender-Based Violence Working Group (GBV WG) and NCLW are propelling the global campaign with a national call to action to address the increased risks of gender-based violence, including in times of crisis. Based on the global theme, UNiTE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls, focuses on the importance of financing strategies to stop violence from occurring in the first place.
“This global initiative serves as a powerful reminder that it is our duty to come together and cultivate a safer, more inclusive world for everyone. We are steadfast in our conviction that no individual should ever experience violence or discrimination based on their gender. We are committed to tirelessly working at all levels to guarantee that each woman and girl has the chance to live a life devoid of fear and to never give up in our battle against violence. By joining forces, we can forge a future where hope prevails over despair, and where compassion and unity lay the foundation for a world where every person is cherished and esteemed,” said Claudine Aoun, President of the National Commission for Lebanese Women.
Bearing in mind that GBV services are lifesaving in situations of peace and even more so in times of crisis, the campaign will raise awareness of the struggles of women and girls in these challenging times and draw attention to how the Government of Lebanon and donors can ensure that gender-based violence is prioritized in annual and multi-year planning and funding.
"Gender-based violence is not only a human rights violation but is also damaging to society as a whole,” said UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka. “As Lebanon faces multiple crises, most recently the risk of conflict, women and girls have the right to be safe and protected. Women should also be empowered to use their full potential and to play leading roles in contributing to their country’s wellbeing, peace and security and sustainable development."
Coordinated by UN Women, the campaign includes social media messaging over the course of the 16 days, with the #NoExcuse and #وقفة_لوقف_العنف hashtags, which aims at drawing attention to the needs of women and girls in all their diversity. The campaign’s main visual will be hanged up on NCLW’s building façade, throughout the 16 days.
The campaign will include a video featuring international Lebanese artist Abeer Nehme and news anchor and university professor Yazbek Wehbe and social media posts calling on national institutions, humanitarian partners and policymakers to prioritize gender and GBV risk-mitigation strategies in ongoing emergency planning and preparedness. It also asks for the support of community leaders and all women, men and girls in advocating for the protection of women and girls from violence, at all times, including in times of conflict and crises.
"As we continue to advocate for peace in these difficult times, we also prioritize gender-based violence in our ongoing emergency preparedness and response plans to help prevent and curb the deliberate violence against women and girls in these times of distress and heightened vulnerability” commented Imran Riza, United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon.
“Throughout these 16 days of activism, we call for increased investment in the prevention and protection of women and girls from the scourge of violence. This is crucial to help forge a path where every woman and girl can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence," he stated.
The international 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign originated from the 1991 first Women’s Global Leadership Institute as a means to raise awareness and increase momentum to ending violence against women and girls worldwide. The UNITE to End Violence against Women initiative, launched in 2008 under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General, supports the civil-society-led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign around the world.
*** END ***
_______________________________________
The United Nations system in Lebanon comprises 26 agencies, funds and programmes, as well as a peacekeeping mission, a political mission, and a regional commission that cover a broad spectrum of peacekeeping, political, development, human rights, and humanitarian work in Lebanon. The United Nations supports Lebanon to promote the country’s long-term peace and security, development, and human rights priorities.
The National Commission for Lebanese women (NCLW) is an official institution established by law at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in 1998 with the aim of promoting the status of women and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men. Its General Assembly is composed of personalities known for their activities related to women’s affairs and is chaired by the woman delegated by the President of the Republic. The Commission carries out consultative functions at the Presidency of the Government and public administrations and institutions, as well as liaison and coordination functions with various administrations, institutions, public, community and civic organizations, and Arab and international organizations. The Commission also performs various executive functions, including the formulation of strategies and plans.
The Gender Working Group (GWG) in Lebanon operating under the Protection Sector, is co-chaired by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), UNFPA and UNHCR and is comprised of over 40 national and international NGOs/ CSOs, women-led and women rights organizations. Its aim is to ensure effective GBV prevention, response and risk mitigation programs are implemented by all GBV actors in Lebanon. Through monthly GBV coordination meetings, the GBV WG regularly assesses and analyzes information and data on the legal and socioeconomic environment in Lebanon to understand and address GBV risks, consequences and ultimately the root causes of GBV in the country informing the sector’s response strategies and advocacy actions.
The Gender Working Group (GWG) in Lebanon, chaired by UN Women and UNDP is a strategic forum and advocacy platform to promote gender equality and the integration of gender considerations in humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) actions of the United Nations and their partners in Lebanon. The GWG regularly convenes both international and national actors from across sectors to facilitate action on gender equality and women’s rights. The Gender Working Group is made up of 91 members (UN agencies: 20, INGOs: 32, and NGOs: 39); 15 member states collaborate with the group in an observatory status capacity. This group is complementary to the Gender Donor Working Group, chaired by the Government of Canada in Lebanon.
Media contacts:
Roula Rached, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UN Women, phone number: +961 70351088
Micheline Elias Massaad, NCLW Executive Director, phone number: +961 3 452 570
Jumanah Zabaneh, Programme Management Specialist and Gender Working Group Co-Chair, UN Women, phone number: +961 3 498317
Sophie Etzold, Gender-based violence Coordinator, UNHCR, phone number +961 70 11 3293
[1] UN Women. 2023. “Violence against women: Facts and figures”. 21 September.
[2] https://arabstates.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2023/08/gender-statistical-profile-lebanon-2023
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Press Release
23 November 2023
Special Coordinator Wronecka Briefs Security Council on Resolution 1701
The Special Coordinator underlined the urgent need to de-escalate the situation along the Blue Line. “Our collective focus and advocacy must be on urging the parties to exercise restraint and calling for a return to the cessation of hostilities through the full implementation of resultion 1701 to prevent a wider conflagration that Lebanon neither wants nor can afford," she said.
Expressing deep concern over the daily skirmishes across the Blue Line since 8 October, the Special Coordinator said the developments of the past six weeks represent the most serious violations of resolution 1701 since its adoption in 2006. This also serves as a reminder that the full implementation of resolution 1701 is a key entry point to realize peace, security and stability in the region.
The ongoing exchanges of fire have resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians, on both sides, internal displacement of thousands as well as material and environmental damages. Notably, the danger of miscalculation and broader conflict is ever-present. In addition to the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the Special Coordinator noted that outstanding obligations remain for both Lebanon and Israel under resolution 1701.
The Special Coordinator reiterated the Secretary-General’s emphasis on adhering to international humanitarian and human rights law, namely obligations to protect civilians, including journalists, as well as to ensure the safety of UN personnel on the ground and to respect the inviolability of UN premises, schools and medical facilities.
The ongoing developments have also underscored the importance of a strong and well-resourced Lebanese Armed Forces in the successful implementation of resolution 1701, the Special Coordinator said, urging continued and further international support for Lebanon’s state security institutions.
Regretting that Lebanon has been without a president of the Republic for over one year, the Special Coordinator said the best way to enhance Lebanon’s ability to address challenges was through functioning and empowered state institutions, particularly in times of crisis. She said recent developments underscore the urgent need for Lebanon’s political leaders to set aside their differences and embrace an approach that would facilitate the election of a president and the subsequent formation of a fully empowered government.
In conclusion, the Special Coordinator reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to continue standing by Lebanon and its people.
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Press Release
20 November 2023
WHO ISSUES EMERGENCY APPEAL FOR LEBANON AS CROSS-BORDER HOSTILITIES INCREASE
WHO is asking for funds to increase capacity for mass casualty management and emergency care, to ensure continuity of essential health services for vulnerable and affected populations, and to strengthen disease surveillance and control, among other actions.
WHO takes into account 2 possible scenarios in the appeal: if hostilities are confined to the south of Lebanon, the Organization estimates it will need US$ 6.7 million for readiness and response; if hostilities expand to the entire country, it will need US$ 11.1 million.
The appeal is part of an evolving WHO multi-country funding appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory and neighboring countries, with an estimated overall funding requirement of US$ 140 million.
Lebanon is experiencing a prolonged economic crisis, which has reduced people’s income and access to health care. Shortages of medicines and catastrophic out-of-pocket health costs are common, while more than 40% of the health workforce is estimated to have left the country. It is estimated that 2 in 3 people in Lebanon need humanitarian assistance, including for health.
The ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and on the border with Israel and the uncertainty about the future are added burdens on the health system. To date, 77 people have been killed, 331 injured and over 26,000 people displaced within Lebanon. Three attacks on health care have also been reported.
WHO, along with the Ministry of Public Health and other partners, has begun preparing for the potential expansion of conflict. A public health emergency operations center, led by the Ministry with WHO support, has been activated to coordinate the national response.
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Press Release
10 November 2023
Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, about the situation in Lebanon
In Lebanon, there have been concerning signs of escalating tensions marked by an increase in hostilities along the Blue Line.
We have recently witnessed alarming attacks killing and injuring civilians in South Lebanon, including women, children, and media personnel. Significant damage has also been inflicted upon private property, public infrastructure, and agricultural land, forcing over 25,000 people to be displaced. Local farmers risk their lives to harvest olives and tobacco, crucial for sustaining their livelihoods and income.
Even wars have rules. I firmly remind all parties that they must strictly adhere to international humanitarian law throughout their military operations.
Wherever they are, civilians – including humanitarian and medical workers – must be protected. Civilian objects – including homes, farms, and hospitals – must be protected.
In such somber circumstances, I reiterate the United Nations’ steadfast commitment to stay and continue providing relief and protection to civilians in need wherever they are.
I call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. Any further suffering of the civilian population must absolutely be avoided.
-END-
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