Joanna Wronecka said success depends on political leaders’ ability and willingness to “urgently come up with sustainable solutions” to end economic stalemate and paralysis. emphasized that State institutions must be reformed to meet the needs of the people.
Necessary reform
She repeats recent calls by Security Council and the International Support Group for Lebanon to prioritize the country’s national interests, avoid political deadlock, and accelerate government formation.
Given that her current presidential duties are due to expire on October 30, she also supports presidential elections to be held within the time limit specified by the constitution.
Realizing the clock was ticking, the UN envoy stressed the importance of reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and donor countries, to push for a $3 billion deal signed in April, is currently facing an impasse and opposition from the banking sector.
The Special Coordinator said political parties should act quickly to move the deal forward, including on fiscal, monetary and governance reforms.
The water system is about to collapse: UNICEF
Meanwhile, the crisis-stricken nation has managed to prevent a complete collapse of its water supply infrastructure – but its supply system remains on the brink, according to a new report released by the United Nations Children’s Fund. given (UNICEF) on Thursday.
With the health of millions hanging in the balance, Struggling to maintain the faucet warned that solutions do not seem viable, as long as the power crisis continues and power shortages make it impossible to pump enough water.
“While the complete collapse of public water supply networks has so far been averted, the crisis remains unresolved and unresolved. Millions of people are affected by limited safe and clean water‘ said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon.
Running out of water
The report examines developments since UNICEF raised the alarm last year that Lebanon the water system was at breaking point.
Rising global oil prices have made the recession worse – which has been compounded by COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the explosions at the Port of Beirut in August 2020.
Amid rising inflation, the power crisis has left water providers unable to provide their customers with the minimum acceptable water volume of 35 liters per capita per day.
While many households depend on expensive road transport and private suppliers, who do not guarantee water quality, most depend on bottled water, which has increased prices three to five times, year after year.
UNICEF Lebanon
The cost of water is high in Lebanon.
Children at risk
The water crisis is having a severe impact on hospitals, health centers and schools.
According to UNICEF, inadequate supplies pose a huge risk to infants and young children vulnerable to water and sanitation-related diseases, one of the leading causes of death for children under 5 years old, according to UNICEF.
“Problem solving is of paramount importance to the health of children and families in Lebanon,” said Mr. Beigbeder.
A ‘fundamental right’
UNICEF says immediate measures must be taken to tackle the power crisis, stressing that investments are needed to enable public supply networks to function.
As the Government works to tackle the crisis, it is important to ensure that every family, especially the most vulnerable, can afford water.
“Access to water is not just a basic need, it is a fundamental right. Having enough, affordable and safe water will help save lives and keep children healthy,” said the UN special envoy.
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Strengthening peace building for women
In a more positive development, the United Nations in Lebanon on Thursday launched the second phase of its support program for eight women-led organizations working to build community peace in Lebanon.
The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) is a flexible, agile tool for funding local women’s rights organizations around the globe, supporting their work in conflict prevention, crisis response and peacebuilding.
The UN has always affirmed that peace, security and sustainable development require the effective participation of women, in all their diversity.
However, that cannot be done without funding those who are working to build a culture of peace in their communities.
UN Women / Wissam Younane
“Women continue to struggle to have their voices heard, despite mounting evidence of a link between women’s participation and peace,” said United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator. country in Lebanon, said Najat Rochdi.
“We need more women in decision-making and peace-building efforts to ensure a sustainable recovery of Lebanon.“.
‘Peace Champion’
The second round of funding from the WPHF in Lebanon also uses unallocated funds to strengthen women-led and community-based organizations working in peace-building efforts at the local level, while also providing funding for specific peace-building initiatives.
“We owe it to the peace champions on the front lines to provide them with timely and accessible funding Rachel Dore-Weeks, Head of Department UN Women in Lebanon.
WPHF’s first window is in place in Lebanon following the Beirut Port Explosion 2020. This Monday, building on that work, will begin in August and run until December 2023 by construction. peace through advocacy, art and women-led peace spaces, dialogue and student clubs.
