Syria Requests to Join Anti-chemical Weapons Partnership

Lebanon is embarking on a critical phase of recovery in its southern regions, aiming to rebuild war-torn communities by restoring essential services, schools, and economic opportunities. The government has launched a "National Framework for Return, Early Recovery and Restoration of Basic Services" to guide these efforts, focusing on resident returns, social protection, service restoration, and reconstruction planning.

However, a substantial funding shortfall poses a major challenge to these ambitious plans. The Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP), a key financing mechanism, has secured only $250 million of its intended $1 billion scale-up, leaving a $750 million gap. Available funds are allocated for immediate needs like debris removal and securing buildings, as well as restoring water, energy, transport, health, and education services.

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the new response framework provides a basis for attracting funding, but it is still not fully financed.

A parallel program, launched in May and running through 2029, targets southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley with EU, Danish, and French development agency funding. This initiative focuses on local authorities, small businesses, and the agricultural sector to create jobs.

Social protection is a cornerstone of the recovery strategy, with cash assistance reaching approximately 230,000 families, supporting over a million individuals. This support is vital for residents whose return home depends on their ability to repair homes, access services, and find employment, making social support integral to re-establishing communities.

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continuing to work intensively to secure additional funding to help respond to the needs of affected groups.