CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This policy brief examined the complex trajectories and mechanisms of the intervention deployed in the aftermath of the explosion raising questions of fairness and equality to the forefront of the humanitarian regime in Lebanon. Based on results yielded from fieldwork, we recommend the following:
Launching a consortium of CSOs, fourth sector civil society, and government representatives in order to set out a coordination scheme among humanitarian players for future crises. CSOs, fourth sector organizations in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs are to develop an emergency preparedness plan / unit for effective intervention in future crises.
We are concerned with the wariness of CSOs to work directly with the government because the latter might find it suitable to coopt CSOs and limit their freedom. To address this concern, we recommend that a forum between CSOs and the government be established to regularly engage each other on issues related to the country’s humanitarian needs and programs.
Creating a standardized data depository that houses information from all CSOs and fourth sector organizations for pooling of needs and scope of work for each constituency. Data should be posted on the websites of CSOs for transparency, information sharing, and accountability.
Initiating in-service training on emergency response to prepare humanitarian workers to deal with complex humanitarian crises in Lebanon.
All-inclusive humanitarian intervention and building sustainable livelihoods among women and refugees is a priority. Participating women accented the need for self-reliance. A humanitarian worker from Zuqaq el-Blat said: “We want to work. We don’t want to beg”.
Establishing an observatory by CSOs and the Ministry of Social Affairs to receive complaints and deal with grievances related to unfairness in aid distribution to the vulnerable.
