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The French embassy distributed a statement, which included the results of the conference in support of the Lebanese people, which was held at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in which it said:
The French Embassy announced the results of the Lebanese Support Conference: accelerate the formation of a credible government that implements reforms
The conference in support of the Lebanese people was held on December 2, 2020 via video link, at the joint invitation of the President of the French Republic and the Secretary General of the United Nations, in which 32 countries, 12 international organizations and 7 organizations participated. of Lebanese civil society.
Following the International Conference in Support of Beirut and the Lebanese Population that took place on August 9, following the devastating explosion on August 4 in Beirut, an urgent humanitarian response was mobilized to help the population face the consequences of this tragedy, which revealed the imbalance in Lebanon derived from the political, economic, financial and health crises in the country.
The December 2 conference enabled the international community to vigorously renew its solidarity with the Lebanese people and renew its commitment to support them in the tragedy that afflicted these residents in their bodies and hearts. The conference discussed the humanitarian response to the crisis and the efforts that must be made for a speedy recovery. The conference called for respect for human rights in Lebanon. The conference confirmed that the commitments made in terms of emergency aid since August 4 have been fulfilled, in terms of quality and quantity, in all the priority areas identified by the United Nations at that time, including health, education, urban rehabilitation. and feeding. Although 257 million euros have been committed, more than 280 million euros have already been disbursed. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to the transparent and efficient distribution of international aid for the exclusive benefit of the population. In this regard, the role of the United Nations in this regard was commended.
In addition to emergency aid, the conference worked to mobilize additional support in terms of early recovery for the direct benefit of the most vulnerable population groups and, in particular, to respond to the challenges of food security and access to education. Participants mentioned in particular the need to target women, youth and children.
The 3RF “Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction” framework and its funding mechanism were presented, ie, the multi-donor trust fund prepared by the World Bank, the United Nations and the European Union. These tools will ensure continuity of funding after emergency humanitarian aid allocated after August 4. An important role will be given to civil society actors to identify priority areas for action, such as good governance, health, education, social protection, housing, culture and heritage. Particular attention will be paid to the immediate needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Conference welcomed these coordination mechanisms and highlighted the need to avoid overlaps with existing mechanisms.
Participants expressed concern about the delay in the investigation of the August 4 explosions. The conference also discussed the reconstruction and integration of the city’s port facilities and the rehabilitation of the neighborhoods affected by the explosion. Participants stressed that the reconstruction of the port should be based on the following principles: better reconstruction, better management and transparent decision-making. Participants believed that rebuilding affected neighborhoods should be done holistically in consultation with residents.
The conference expressed concern about the deteriorating economic and social conditions and expressed concern about the emerging humanitarian crisis. Participants noted the deterioration of all economic, financial, monetary and social indicators, as the poverty rate increased from 28% to 55% over a 12-month period, which now pushed many Lebanese to emigrate. The conference agreed with the World Bank that it was a “recession.” Lebanon is financially bankrupt, but it can still be a successful country if reforms are implemented quickly. It also allowed the conference to begin thinking about the necessary reform of the Lebanese economic model.
The participants highlighted the importance of effectively implementing the reforms expected by the population and the international community. These reforms are absolutely necessary for the international community to be able to engage side by side with Lebanon, both in terms of the results of the CEDRE conference on April 6, 2018, and the long-term prospects for additional structural support. This support should be part of a program concluded with the International Monetary Fund. .
The conference reaffirmed the urgent need for Lebanese political leaders to agree as soon as possible to form a credible, effective and capable government in the public interest of the country. On the basis of the road map of September 1, 2020, which was ratified by all Lebanese political forces, this government must urgently implement all the reforms and measures necessary to restore the confidence of the Lebanese in the international community.
Finally, the conference welcomed the intense dialogue with Lebanese civil society, which testifies to the responsibility and vitality of the latter. The conference shares the aspirations of the Lebanese people, and from this dialogue derives confidence in the future of Lebanon. “
