Projects Database / Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Programme in South Lebanon Phase II
Project ID
00070566
Background
Like other peripheral regions of the country, Southern Lebanon suffered from a long standing neglect, resulting in underdevelopment compared to other regions as per various socio economic indicators. Moreover, the South has been an area of instability and conflict for the last thirty years, including a 22-year era of Israeli occupation of half of the South, which ended in 2000.
In 2000, UNDP, in partnership with the Government of Lebanon, represented by the Council for Development and Reconstruction, established a post conflict development programme in the former occupied areas of the South; the “Socio Economic Rehabilitation Programme for Southern Lebanon”. The Programme targeted reconciliation and local capacity development initiatives conducive to the stability of communities, and return of the internally displaced Southerners mainly in the less developed suburbs of the Capital Beirut.
Following significant progress of the programme, the July 2006 war aftermath and its severe consequences to the lives and livelihoods of the southern communities compounded poverty and development challenges by massive destruction. Immediately after the war, UNDP implemented emergency and quick impact interventions and led the UN efforts to support the recovery of the South. The massive destruction and the adverse war impact on socio economic life, is still far from being recovered even to the pre-July 2006 war. The local economy that was hardly recovering from the long years of occupation received a massive drawback. Lives and livelihoods of the communities remain vulnerable, and in dire need for support.
Meanwhile, and due to the ongoing political crisis, the South and its socio economic support, or lack of it, continues to provide potential for additional conflict. Thus the continuation of UNDP’s support, which has now expanded into the entire South, remains crucial. This was further reiterated by the Government, at the last tripartite meeting held late April 2008.
Achievements & Expected Results
The programme’s primary objective is to sustain and expand post-conflict socio-economic rehabilitation and development in the communities targeting the various strata of the society, of which socio-economic development conflict prevention and peace building initiatives will play a major role in delivering security and sustainability. The current project proposal includes the following compatible components:
-Capacities of local governance structures strengthened.
-Local community economic development strengthened.
-Reintegration and social reconciliation of Youth.
- Management Information System updated to provide gateway to partners and Coordination mechanism enhanced.
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Lebanon
