Lebanon (S/2013/612)

Eighteenth semi-annual report on the implementation of resolution 1559 (regarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon), assessing developments since the last report of 18 April 2013 (S/2013/234).  Noting a lack of progress on key elements of the resolution, the SG expresses particular concern about the challenge of upholding the country’s policy of disassociation from the Syrian crisis.  The Report touches upon several devastating terrorist attacks in and around Beirut and Tripoli; cross-border fighting along the Syria-Lebanon border and Hizbollah’s public acknowledgement of its role in the Syrian conflict; the lack of tangible steps taken towards the delineation of the border; the proliferation of weapons held by non-state actors and arms trafficking across the border; Syrian refugees now totaling more than 800,000 registered in Lebanon, including an influx of Palestinian refugees; the postponement of parliamentary elections, with no progress on the formation of a government and no resumption of the National Dialogue; Israel’s continued overflights into Lebanese territory in violation of the resolution; the general stability of the situation in the area of operations of UNIFIL; Hizbollah and Palestinian armed groups continuing to ignore the Council’s calls for disarming and disbanding all militias; the dire conditions of Palestinian refugees, and increased tensions between Palestinian refugees who have been residing in Lebanon and those fleeing from Syria; and the inaugural meetings of the International Support Group for Lebanon.

There is no reference to women, peace and security.

The SG misses many opportunities to bring attention to women, peace and security in his Report, especially in regards to the aggravating effects of arms trafficking and violence upon civilians including women and children; the conditions for Syrian and Palestinian women seeking refuge in Lebanon; and the role of women in parliamentary elections, the formation of a new government and in advancing the National Dialogue.

As there is no reference to women, peace and security, the SG Report does not address the recommendations put forward in the most recent MAP (August 2013).  Therefore, there is no attention given to women’s involvement in regional peace processes; capacity-building for civil society organizations; gender-specific awareness training for peacekeepers, national forces, and police; nor to the effects of weapons proliferation upon women and children.

The previous SG Report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004), S/2013/234, similarly had no reference to women, peace and security.