Project Description:

The project aims to reduce and mitigate tensions in selected areas of Lebanon with potential for conflict, in an effort to promote coexistence and civil peace in Lebanon.

PBF Priority Area:

Promote coexistence and peaceful conflict resolution.

Key Project Outputs and Activities:

Output 1: Inclusive strategies for safer neighborhoods in the two selected areas are developed.

• Build the capacity of local actors (e.g. selected municipalities, local NGOs and CBOs, religious leaders, mukhtars, women’s groups, etc.) in mediation and conflict resolution;

• Undertake participatory mapping of conflict dynamics, stakeholders and existing mechanisms for tension reduction, as well as community perception of insecurity in up to 4 neighborhoods;

• On this basis, develop and disseminate strategies for safer neighborhoods in two selected areas;

• Strengthen the knowledge and skills of LAF officers, including female officers, operating in two selected areas in community mediation and local level peace building;

• Develop with LAF/Ministry of Defense a national CIMIC/MCO/human rights strategy to respond to institutional gaps and capacity needs in community outreach;

Output 2: Locally agreed peace building interventions are implemented with concerned stakeholders in the selected two areas.

• Facilitate the establishment and/or strengthening of conflict reduction mechanisms in up to 4 neighborhoods;

• Support LAF in planning and implementing community outreach activities, in at least one selected area;

• Build the capacity of selected municipalities in conflict sensitive/inclusive planning and its integration into existing development plans;

• Support small scale joint initiatives to address tensions and to promote cohesion in the two selected areas, including at least one initiative strengthening the role of women in peace building;

• Monitor impact of the strategies/interventions on neighborhood perception of security and trust, and undertake evaluation with concerned parties at the local and national levels;