forumZFD in Lebanon
Since 2009, we are working in a joint Civil Peace Service (CPS) Programme together with our local partner organisations in Lebanon. Located in Beirut, our 17 staff members are working in three different programmes: Dealing with the Past, Capacity Development and Community Mobilising. Beirut, Tripoli and the Beqaa Valley are the main geographical areas we work in but the projects’ beneficiaries come from all over the country.
Vision
In accordance with our vision to empower communities and individuals “to work proactively and committed towards the acceptance and understanding of ‘the other’ and their needs”, all our projects are developed jointly and co-implemented with local partners. We mainly support our partners by training and mentoring their local project staff.
The CPS programme in Lebanon is realised together with the Civil Peace Service of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-CPS) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Background
Lebanon is characterised by confessional diversity. The different identities and narratives on the Lebanese Civil War are still present and affect Lebanon’s politics as well as everyday life. However, the remembrance of the War differs between confessional and political groups. There is no single or common narrative, a fact readily exploited by the various political and social actors.
In a country already challenged by its geographic location and economic hardship, anxiety and ample prejudices against “the other”, confessional division is enhanced through mutual distrust and discrimination. The influx of Syrian refugees poses new challenges to the social fabric of many communities.
In the face of a weak Lebanese state, civil society organisations play a key role. They have great potential to contribute to positive social change.
Please find a short summary of our programme in Lebanon here.