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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 recovery and development of the country. |
The problem
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 four million cluster munitions were delivered, an estimated one million of which 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.
How MAG is helping
MAG was the only landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance non-governmental organisation operating in Lebanon prior to the 2006 conflict and, as such, was in a position to play a key role in providing immediate support. 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.
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.
Since the end of the 2006 conflict, MAG has cleared more than 13 million square metres of land, helping thousands of people to get back to work, replant their crops and rebuild their homes.
See these pages for detailed information on MAG's latest work in Lebanon:
Your donation to MAG helps us to move into current and former conflict zones to clear the remnants of conflict, enabling recovery and assisting the development of affected populations.
Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries of MAG’s programme are the affected people of south Lebanon, whose lives and livelihoods continue to be threatened by remnants of conflict.
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.
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.
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.
Find out more
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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
www.maginternational.org/lebanon
