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The French embassy indicated that “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 participated. , 12 international organizations and 7 Lebanese civil society organizations, “explaining” As a result of the International Conference in Support of Beirut and the Lebanese Population that took place on August 9, after 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 resulting from the political, economic and financial crises. And healthy in the field. “
The embassy said in a statement that “the December 2 conference allowed the international community to vigorously renew its solidarity with the Lebanese people and renew its commitment to accompany them in the tragedy that affected these residents in their bodies and hearts. conference discussed the humanitarian response to the crisis and the efforts to be made. ” For the sake of speedy recovery, the conference called for respect for human rights in Lebanon, and affirmed 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 you have identified. The United Nations at that time, including health, education, urban rehabilitation and food. Although 257 million euros were committed, more than 280 million euros had already been paid ”.
The embassy also noted that “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 assistance to women, youth and children.
The embassy stated that “the 3RF“ Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction ”framework and its financing mechanism have been presented, that is, the multi-donor trust fund developed by the World Bank, United Nations and the European Union. These tools will ensure the continuity of funding after the emergency humanitarian aid that has been carried out. It will be assigned after August 4. An important role will be given to civil society actors to identify priority areas of work, 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. “
He stressed that “the participants expressed their concern about the delay in the investigation of the explosions of August 4. The conference also discussed the reconstruction and integration of port facilities in the city and the rehabilitation of neighborhoods affected by the explosion. The participants stressed that the reconstruction of the port should be based on the following principles: “Build better, better management and transparent decision-making. The participants considered that the reconstruction of the affected neighborhoods should be done in a comprehensive manner in consultation with the 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 to be 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. “
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