One of the focus areas of UNIFIL peacekeepers during the recent devastating conflict affecting south Lebanon has been various support initiatives – within their means and capabilities – to the most affected and vulnerable communities.
While the mission’s liaison and coordination assets remained continually focused in de-escalation efforts with the parties, its other peacekeepers did what they could in terms of protecting civilians, support to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), facilitating humanitarian access and delivering much needed assistance to the displaced.
With significant reduction in violence in UNIFIL’s area of operations, Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara has stressed that continued support to the most vulnerable sections of the population from the mission’s area of operations remains a priority.
Accordingly, peacekeepers have launched a wide range of community engagement and support initiatives targeting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, through food packages, medicines, medical supplies and hygiene kits, among others.
In a recent event in Tibnin, peacekeepers donated food packages, toys and sports items to girl children living in an orphanage, which was adversely affected during the height of the recent conflict. UNIFIL’s Gender Affairs Officer, Rana Rahal, who helped organize this event said UNIFIL has always been supportive of initiatives that empower and assist women and girls in their communities.
“Through these initiatives, the Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL is focusing on support and donations that are done through women in their communities to support other women through food donations or even children’s toys,” said Ms. Rahal. “We found out that during displacement, women are better mechanisms to reach each other in their displacement centres, in collective centers, or even outside the area of operations.”
Major General Abagnara himself joined a separate but similar donation event in Tyre, benefiting displaced women and children currently residing in shelters managed by the Tyre Union of Municipalities.
“Children are our future here in the South, and women are a very big support for everyone,” said Major General Abagnara. “And for me it is very important to support people. It is the only way to create the best conditions for stability. Peace and stability are possible, and we have to believe all together for this.”
Echoing the views of General Abagnara, head of the Tyre Union of Municipalities Hasan Dbouk said his presence strengthened an old relationship that was built on friendship and joint work in the service of people.
“This visit is very important to us; it sends a positive message of support, showing that the international community and the United Nations, represented by General Abagnara, stand with the Lebanese people and with local authorities, which are working to serve the Lebanese population,” he added. “UNIFIL has a special importance and a special role. Its presence is very effective.”
Commenting on the support provided by UNIFIL, Tyre Municipality’s Head of the Women and Children’s Affairs Committee Randa Abou Saleh underlined the importance of supporting women.
“When women feel supported and secure, they are also able to raise a healthy generation. Women and children are naturally connected, and you cannot separate one from the other,” she said.
These UNIFIL support initiatives complemented the mission’s broader protection efforts by strengthening community resilience and stability, supporting social welfare and fostering trust between peacekeepers and local populations.
