Lebanon (S/2014/296)

This Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of SCR 1559 (regarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon) assesses developments since the last report of 16 October 2013 (S/2013/612).  Once again noting a lack of progress on key elements of the resolution, the SG highlights serious security challenges to stability in Lebanon, particularly related to the spillover of the conflict in Syria.  The SG touches upon the escalation of violence and terrorist incidents in Lebanon including cross-border attacks from Syria; the humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges of hosting more than 1 million registered Syrian refugees, as well as an influx of Palestinian refugees from Syria; positive political developments in the formation of a new national interest government, the resumption of the National Dialogue, and the intention to hold presidential elections on time; and with specific regards to SCR 1559, an absence of progress on the demarcation of the Lebanon-Syria border, continuing reports of movement of arms and people across the border, and the inability of Lebanese State to fully exercise its authority over all its territory, especially with an armed Hizbollah operating outside the control of the State (and actively participating in the Syria conflict, despite Lebanon’s policy of disassociation).

There was no mention of women, peace and security concerns.

The SG misses many opportunities in this Report to stress the need for women’s protection in Lebanon.  Given the ever-decreasing security environment, wherein terrorist acts, non-State militias and arms proliferation are common, the protection of women and girls is paramount.  Especially in the context of the more than 1 million registered Syrian refugees, many of whom are women and children, protection and gender-responsive assistance needs should be front and center in this Report.  Beyond receiving protection and support services, women should also be highlighted for the key roles they can play in the newly-formed national government, including in efforts to foster peace and reconciliation.  

The most recent MAPs on the situation in Lebanon (August and July 2013) were specific to the UN Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the implementation of SCR 1701 (2006).  The most recent MAP on the implementation of SCR 1559 (2004) was in October 2012, but regardless, given that there were no references to women peace and security in this current Report, there cannot be much alignment with MAP recommendations.  The October 2012 MAP calls for information on what actions are being taken to protect and assist Syrian and Palestinian refugee and IDP women, which are still critical questions unaddressed in the present Report.  It also recommends women’s participation in political systems and peacebuilding efforts, the inclusion of women and women’s civil society in the National Dialogue, and greater efforts to address and prevent sexual- and gender-based violence in Lebanon.

Like the current report, the previous report on the implementation of SCR 1559 (2004), S/2013/612, also gave no attention to women, peace and security.