Project Overview
 

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) remain the most trusted institution in Lebanon and the backbone of its stability. Following the cessation of hostilities in November 2024, the LAF faces the critical task of the LAF are key to extending state authority and implementing UNSC 1701. The effective functioning and operational readiness of the LAF are thus a sine qua non condition for laying the foundation for a sustainable and stable recovery. responding to crises, and managing explosive ordnance disposal. However, the economic crisis has severely impacted the livelihoods of its members. Based on expressed needs, and in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Defense, UNSCOL and UNDP, this project supports the "livelihood ecosystem" of LAF service members to ensure they can continue their essential duties in this critical time, as well strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capacities to support stabilization, recovery, people-centered service delivery and renewed trust in State institutions. 

Project Objective

• Ensure the LAF can fulfill its role in implementing the cessation of hostilities (CoH) agreement and UNSCR 1701.
• Support the basic needs and socio-economic well-being of service members for morale and preventing institutional attrition.  
• Enhance LAF's capacity to respond to immediate humanitarian and security crises.
• Strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) for stabilization, recovery, and renewed trust in State Institutions
• Sustain the public's high level of trust in the LAF as a neutral and stabilizing national force. 
   

Achievements & Key Figures

• Food security: The project strengthened the LAF welfare system through the nationwide launch of the first distribution cycle of 13 essential subsidized food items, restoring access to basic goods across 144 commissaries. Nineteen commissaries were rehabilitated, and the entire network digitally connected to a centralized management system, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. With a 50% subsidization mechanism and a reinvestment model in place, the initiative reinforced household resilience, morale, and institutional cohesion.
• Access to education: The project funded tuition fees for 618 children with special needs during the 2024–2025 academic year, reducing financial pressures on LAF families during a period of acute socio-economic strain. A transparent verification and direct payment mechanism to schools was established, strengthening accountability and institutional systems, while priority categories for the 2025–2026 academic year were identified to ensure continuity and scale-up of support.
• Strengthening LAF’s Healthcare services: The project is supporting access to healthcare for LAF personnel and their families through the procurement of essential medical equipment and supplies — including advanced diagnostic, surgical, and emergency care equipment — to reinforce service delivery across LAF health facilities. In parallel, 17 LAF healthcare facilities were identified for solarization and energy-efficiency upgrades, enhancing energy security, reducing operational costs, and ensuring uninterrupted medical services. Together, these interventions alleviate financial pressures on households, reinforce institutional resilience, and morale.
• CIMIC and stabilization: The project strengthens LAF’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capacities, reinforcing the LAF’s role as a stabilizing presence and a trusted representative of the central State, with a focus on South Lebanon. In coordination with the line ministry, priority public healthcare centres were identified by the LAF for rehabilitation to restore essential health services for the population. Targeted interventions to facilitate access to water and basic utilities further support community recovery, rebuild public trust, and reinforce the social contract, thereby advancing the extension of State authority. Support to explosive ordnance disposal and rubble clearance strengthens the LAF’s operational capacity to secure affected areas, mitigate risks to populations, and enable safe returns in line with UNSCR 1701.
   

GESI Component (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion)

The project recognizes the specific impacts of conflict on vulnerable groups, noting the thousands of deaths and injuries among women and children. The Livelihood Ecosystem support is designed to benefit LAF service members and their families, thereby indirectly supporting thousands of women and children who rely on these households. Furthermore, the project aligns with broader UN principles of inclusive security, ensuring that the LAF’s role in protecting civilians is conducted with high standards of accountability and sensitivity to the needs of all community members.