Project Overview

The fourth phase of the Peacebuilding in Lebanon Project addresses the root causes of conflict in a country grappling with compounded economic, political, and social crises. Building on work started in 2006, this phase focuses on fostering inclusive dialogue and empowering marginalized voices to restore trust in state institutions and national processes. The project operates across multiple levels to create "safe spaces" for community discussion, promote mutual understanding, and manage diversity through balanced reporting and peace education.

Project Objective

• Support authorities in addressing the root causes of conflict by dealing with the past, preventing violent extremism (PVE), and promoting peace education.
• Empower sub-national and local authorities alongside participatory platforms to promote social stability and improve inclusive governance.
• Support community-level actors through mediation initiatives and fact-checking programs to address tensions and promote informed community discourse.
• Strengthen inclusive social contracts grounded in human rights to enhance governance and women’s participation.
• Enhance the ability of national and local institutions to mitigate tensions and prevent conflict.
   

Achievements & Key Figures

• UNDP supports the institutional capacity of the National Commission for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared (NCMFD), an independent body established by Law 105 in 2018 to know the fate of an estimated 17,000 people who went missing during the Lebanese Civil War, through including the establishment of a dedicated data management unit, the development of a comprehensive communication strategy, the implementation of advocacy initiatives and enhance engagement with the families of the missing and forcibly disappeared.

GESI Component (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion)

The project is designated with a GEN2 gender marker, ensuring gender equality is a core principle in all peacebuilding interventions. Phase 4 specifically aims to address gender-based discrimination and promote women's participation in decision-making and public life, where they are currently severely underrepresented. The project includes intersectional gender sensitivity and transformative leadership training for stakeholders. It also targets other marginalized groups, including youth and people with disabilities, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into conflict prevention and local development efforts.