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Searching through the remains of houses, enabling people to rebuild safely. |
Introduction
The conflict in the summer of 2006 dealt a severe blow to Lebanon’s economy. It affected every aspect of the country’s resources and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of citizens. The post-conflict reconstruction of Lebanon continues to depend on the development of basic services such as water, health, education and agricultural production. The identification and clearance of areas contaminated by life-threatening remnants of conflict is a key factor in the planning and implementation of development activities, and in the effective restoration of peace and stability throughout the country.
From the beginning of the conflict on 12 July 2006 to the cessation of hostilities, it is estimated that a total of 96,000 munitions were fired into south Lebanon. Approximately two per cent of this number delivered four million cluster munitions: an estimated one million of these failed to explode on impact, posing a serious, ongoing threat to the population.
As a result of this contamination resident populations are at risk from death or injury. This risk affects economic growth and limits their capacity to increase agricultural output and rebuild vital infrastructure. Additionally, the availability of safe land to rebuild villages and homes is severely limited, and the activities of relief and development agencies working to rehabilitate the affected region are impeded.
MAG was the only landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance non-governmental organisation operating in Lebanon prior to the conflict and, as such, was in a position to play a key role in providing immediate support and coordination with the Lebanon Mine Action Centre (LMAC) and the Mine Action Coordination Centre South Lebanon. During the conflict, MAG staff were on the ground preparing for the post-ceasefire emergency response. MAG deployed four emergency teams into the field the day after the ceasefire on 15 August 2006, and during the first week of operations alone MAG cleared 955 items, primarily cluster munitions.
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Technicians methodically check the land for submunitions. Houses and roads were cleared in a short time during the aftermath of the 2006 conflict. Clearing the agricultural land takes much longer. |
Recovery from the 2006 conflict
Priority clearance of access routes, homes and gardens was completed by the end of 2007, with the focus now on the clearance of agricultural and pastoral areas to assist local livelihood recovery.
Improved safety of communities
Removing the threat and increasing the awareness of vulnerable groups through community visits results in a tangible improvement in the safety of those affected by conflict.
Rebuilding communities
After the threat has been removed, communities are able to return to areas previously vacated or re-establish themselves elsewhere. As such, the quality of life of the population improves as a more stable and productive environment is created.
Supporting the recovery of sustainable livelihoods
The presence of remnants of conflict restricts community recovery and development. Once a community has been able to re-establish itself in a particular location, it must also develop a livelihood upon which to sustain itself. Contamination limits the land available for economic use – such as agriculture, business and tourism – and acts as a barrier to natural resources. Removing remnants of conflict allows vital land to be utilised, enabling communities to improve their livelihoods.
Key contribution to national recovery efforts
By creating a safe environment, MAG is supporting the reconstruction of Lebanon’s primary infrastructure, including schools and medical facilities, which is vital for the mid- to long-term recovery and development of the country.
Minefields
In coordination and cooperation with the LMAC, MAG is carrying out mine clearance operations in the Chouf area. After the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in November 2000, MAG began operations and developed a team of 80 national staff members to conduct landmine clearance.
MAG Lebanon received funding in 2002 to undertake a Landmine Impact Survey (LIS), which identified the effects of landmines and UXO on communities in Lebanon and supported strategic level national planning and resource allocation decisions.
Landmine clearance activities were suspended in July/August 2006 to enable MAG to respond to the emergency clearance of cluster munitions and other remnants of conflict in south Lebanon.
In early 2007, CL teams and a technical survey team were deployed to central Lebanon to undertake reconnaissance of the region, identifying minefield locations and the impact they have upon communities and local populations. In 2008 MAG deployed clearance teams to central Lebanon to conduct clearance. MAG is currently fielding one demining team in the Chouf mountains to continue clearance activities in order to release land to communities.
Community Liaison
MAG’s Community Liaison teams work closely with communities (particularly the most vulnerable), development agencies and local authorities to define priorities, ensuring that land and remnants of conflict are effectively prioritised for clearance. CL teams enable MAG to prioritise communities experiencing a high risk of injury or death and whose socio-economic development has been severely impeded by remnants of conflict.
CL teams are highly mobile, multi-skilled teams trained in data collection, information and statistical analysis, risk assessment, advanced GPS usage, cross cultural communication techniques, and livelihood/community mapping. Teams liaise with stakeholders to collect requisite baseline information and verify and assess potential sites. Along with ascertaining community priorities, CL teams identify target groups, discuss post-clearance development plans and assess the outcomes and impact of MAG’s work.
To effectively respond to the needs of conflict affected communities MAG, through the CL mechanism, works with a wide range of stakeholders who affect and/or are affected by MAG’s activities. CL teams liaise with all stakeholders before, during and after clearance to ensure that communities derive the maximum benefit from MAG’s work.
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A MAG Lebanon Community Liaison Officer speaks with shepherds about areas potentially contaminated with cluster submunitions. [Photo: J.B. Russell] |
Blue Line
As of 1 October 2009, per the request of the national authority, MAG Lebanon began clearance work on the Blue Line, a heavily mined stretch of land separating Lebanon from Israel. This task requires breaches into minefields in order to clear a path that will eventually form a road to be used by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as well as the local population. It is expected that MAG will be given an estimated five additional tasks of this nature in the near future. In partnership with the LMAC, MAG is also conducting surveys on 146 minefields on the Blue Line. Currently, MAG’s presence on the Blue Line is comprised of one demining team and one mechanical team.
Future clearance
The pursuit of clearance in this highly sensitive area would usher Lebanon several steps closer to being able to fulfil the requirements of the Ottawa Convention, should it become a signatory party. Thus MAG Lebanon will endeavour not only to continue clearance of cluster munitions, but also to transition along with the LMAC over the next few years to renew focus on the clearance of landmines, in accordance with the 2008-2012 Long Term Plan published by the LMAC, of a Lebanon free of landmines by 2012.
Donor partnership opportunities
MAG is actively committed to the Lebanese Government’s long-term plan and welcomes long-term donors to partner with this commitment and create a Lebanon free from the impact of landmines.
MAG thanks the following donors to the Lebanon programme: AusAID; DFID (UK Government Department for International Development) / UKaid; German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Japanese Government; Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State; UNOPS.
January 2010
