Improving civil conflict resolution and social participation in Lebanon through community work and mediation

Context

Lebanon’s society is divided, and the lengthy civil war (1975 to 1990), the war in neighbouring Syria and the national, regional and religious fragmentation have left their mark on the country. The lack of a state monopoly on the use of force, the continuing presence of civil war elites in political offices and the associated culture of impunity lead to recurring tensions between population groups.

The uprisings in October 2019 led to the biggest economic and financial crises since the end of the Lebanese civil war. And the country's current use of natural resources together with environmental pollution are already leading to local conflicts in urban and rural areas

Objective

The various population groups in the country are engaging in dialogue with each other and civil society is better able to manage conflicts in a constructive and non-violent way.

Approach

The Civil Peace Service (CPS) helps to bridge the strong regional and confessional divergences and to involve population groups from peripheral regions and marginal groups in the social discourse. The project promotes the networking of organisations in order to improve the ability of civil society actors to participate constructively in dialogue and cooperation. The legitimate concerns for the fulfilment of fundamental human rights, social participation, access to and use of natural resources as well as political reform efforts are key drivers.

Raising more awareness of the environmental problem fosters acceptance of more effective participation and dialogue formats. Through the support, advice and networking of selected civil society partners, the smooth handling of intra-societal conflicts in Lebanon is being improved. The programme promotes awareness and the application of methods for civil conflict transformation within civil society and systematically builds knowledge in educational institutions.

Last update: June 2023