News updates

Al Mustakbal newspaper published a report on the “Live Lebanon”, a UN initiative which is implemented by UNDP in partnership with Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries (BBAC) and within the framework of social and local development for a better Lebanon.  The report notes that this current initiative uses goodwill ambassadors who are Lebanese immigrants who promote Live Lebanon projects amongst Lebanese communities throughout the world.  Live Lebanon also uses the support of the private sector and the media and has concluded last March a cooperation agreement with New TV.
The report indicates that the Live Lebanon initiative seeks to develop the poorest and most deprived regions through implementing long term projects in various sectors namely a) health (providing primary health care to all regardless of their income or place of residence through the support and equipping of primary health care centres in remote areas and which provide their services at nominal fees); b) youth (through the implementation of projects that support the youth at the academic, sports and social levels and so as to improve their social integration, their knowledge and skills); c) environment (through the provision of healthier life via environmental projects); and d) women’s empowerment (through the implementation of projects targeting  women and aiming to improve their income and as such, improve the livelihoods of the entire community).  The latter sector is implemented given the importance of creating new work opportunities for both women and men and commitment to the principle of equal opportunities of women and men.  Accordingly, the program aims to create work opportunities through supporting small income generating projects especially in agriculture and rural tourism.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal 31 July 2013

An Nahar newspaper published an article yesterday covering the launch of the campaign seeking to regularize Syrian businesses in the Bekaa.  The report included highlights of the situation of Syrian businesses as well as testimonials of Syrian holders who shared their dismay with the decision calling for the closure of their businesses and livelihoods.  The report highlights confusion with dates since the memorandum in force at the Shtoura police centre calls for an immediate closure of businesses opened by Syrians since the start of the Syrian crisis because they have entered the country as displaced while giving all other Syrian businesses until the end of August to regularize their situation.  However, and according to a number of Syrians, the implementation of the memorandum was rather chaotic and according to the way it was understood by the law enforcers.  In many cases, businesses enjoying the exact same situation were given different notices and treatments.
The report also shows that troupes pertaining to the economy directorate are strolling the streets and alleys of villages and towns in the Bekaa to document and register all Syrian businesses in a desperate attempt to list all these businesses, as many Lebanese are, according to the report, providing false information.
On a related vein, the Lebanese government has started implementing new and tougher security measures on the border crossings including Masnaa, Aboudieh, and Arida, and which entail thorough verifications of IDs of incoming Syrians, so as to limit the infiltration of terrorist groups and others who are antagonistic to the Lebanese army and security forces.  In addition, entry to Lebanon is now limited to those carrying valid IDs or passports as well as affidavits indicating whether the person is a displaced or a worker in a Lebanese enterprise.
Furthermore, was formally confirmed that the Lebanese authorities have extended the deadline for regularizing the legal situation of Syrian businesses until August 31st instead of the 15th in order to allow business holders to secure needed registrations.
Source: Al-Nahar 31 July 2013
 

Makhzoomi Foundation inaugurated yesterday its Beirut Ramadan Souks which offers a number of Ramadan-related activities.  The event is organised within the framework of the association’s policy to encourage traditional crafts through supporting small projects.  The exhibition will open its doors until August 1st, during which visitors will be able to discover Lebanon’s rich heritage through the artistic bazaar which exhibits the work of 60 Lebanese designers and 20 painters and sculptors.  International food products are also on exhibit with the participation of several foreign embassies.  The space includes a replica of a traditional Lebanese village where artists and producers will be showcasing their products on-site. Finally, the Ramadan Souks will also provide musical events with Pascal Sakr, Leila Abou Habib, Paul and Jumana Murad, a caftan show, a one thousand and one night performance as well as the Ramadan recipes of Chef Richard.
Source: Al-Nahar 30 July 2013
 

Al Nahar newspaper published a report last week about ten women who joined the field team specializing in de-mining and as part of MAG organisation, working in South Lebanon under the supervision of the Lebanese army, and despite the lukewarm reception of the community which is still struggling to accept their audacity.  The report highlights the experiences of these 10 women and the various reasons that led them to go into this very dangerous job, which until recently, was the bastion of men.  The newspaper report also focuses on the experiences of these women some six months after joining MAG field teams.  Fatmeh Ghandour (28 years) indicates for instance that she was encouraged to join because she wanted to avenge her father in law who died few years ago because of a landmine.  She does not conceal however that the generous income was also a decisive factor as this will allow her to support her fiancé.  She notes that the task extremely dangerous as the first mistake is generally the last.  She also indicated that the dangerous nature of the job does not make it less interesting.  Fatmeh (30 years), a divorced woman with two children, notes that she did not find any better opportunity than to work in this field to ensure a good livelihood for her and her children.  She adds that this work has given her self confidence and has changed society’s perception as she is no longer seen as the weak divorcee who cannot face life’s challenges.  Amal Nader (32 years) was motivated to join the de-mining job for the same reasons.  She added that working on de-mining in the South has strengthened her belonging to the South and has made her feel heroic.
Source: Al-Nahar 28 July 2013

The General Directorate of general Security issued a statement last week indicating that citizens can apply for a “transfer of sponsorship of a migrant worker” through either one of the two following procedures.  The first procedure entails submitting a notarized waiver of sponsorship by the initial sponsor including a commitment from the new sponsor and bearing the signature of the migrant work approving his/her transfer to the new “sponsor”.  This should come into effect within 15 days otherwise the application becomes null and void.  The second procedure entails the completion of the “transfer of sponsorship” application at the offices of general security with the presence of the former and new “sponsor” as well as the migrant worker.  The initial sponsor will remain responsible for the migrant worker until the request is formally approved by General Security.  General Security has provided a deadline until 25/9/2013 for executing requests for sponsorship waiver for sponsorships that have been contracted before 25/7/2013.
For further information, visit the General Security website http://www.general-security.gov.lb
Source: Al-Diyar 27 July 2013

3azm wa Sa3aded (AwS) organised yesterday, in its Bab el-Ramel center of Tripoli, a graduation event for some 50 women who participated in various awareness raising sessions focusing on family and social issues. These sessions fall under the framework of various development actions undertaken by the social division of the association and aiming to empower families, both socially and vocationally, through the development of the capacities of individual and groups. The event was concluded with the distribution of certificates and prizes particularly to those women who demonstrated strong commitment and perseverance in attending the awareness raising sessions.
Source: Al-Nahar 23 July 2013

Al Akhbar newspaper published today a profile report on 39 years old Zeinab Nassrallah, who grows tobacco in an area exceeding 50 thousand square meters, produce bread, and sell it on a daily basis, also runs a small commercial shop near her home, and follows studies in one of the neighboring religious schools ‘Hawzaat’. The newspaper report describes in much detail Zeinab’s daily multiple chores, and quotes her saying that organization and good management are the two backbones of success. Despite the skepticism of some of her neighboring farmers about her capacity to grow tobacco alone on such a large area, Zeinab indicated that she began at 17 years of age by cultivating 12 dunums, reaching now 50 dunums and aiming for more. She noted that the personal and external difficulties that she has gone through (poverty, war and the premature death of her father) have strengthened her resolve to maintain her dignity and the dignity of her sisters.
Zeinab points out that what bothers her most are not work difficulties but criticisms by others. Some for example do not approve of her driving a pick-up truck to transfer laborer. Nevertheless, Zeinab remains upbeat and ambition now to learn how to fix vehicles to address emergencies. She also has plans to raise cattle and bees, and thus secure less strenuous livelihood opportunities to her sisters.
Source: Al-Akhbar 22 July 2013