For many people in south Lebanon, UNIFIL has been part of daily life for decades, supporting local services, creating jobs and helping communities meet essential needs through years of uncertainty and conflict. As the mission’s mandate approaches its end on 31 December 2026, the challenges facing these communities remain, as does the need for stability and recovery.
Under Security Council Resolution 1701, UNIFIL’s core tasks include monitoring and reporting developments, maintaining liaison and coordination to reduce tensions, and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in extending state authority in the south. Alongside these efforts, the mission has worked with local authorities and communities to address local needs within its means and capabilities.
“Over the past four years, UNIFIL approved 110 quick-impact projects in 115 towns, helping about 1.5 million beneficiaries,” UNIFIL Spokesperson Kandice Ardiel explains.
About half of these projects supported the extension of state authority, while others focused on access to basic services, conflict management and confidence-building. Individual contingents have also supported healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, water and environmental initiatives. More recently, their efforts have included helping restore basic services in damaged communities where residents have returned.
UNIFIL’s presence has also provided employment for hundreds of local staff and contractors working at its bases across south Lebanon. For many, these jobs have meant more than a regular income, particularly amid Lebanon’s economic crisis and successive conflicts.
“It is not just a means of livelihood, although of course that is very important, particularly after the economic crisis that hit the country in 2019, followed by two conflicts. People have built careers, friendships, skills, and a sense of purpose together,” Ardiel says.
As the mandate draws to a close, the mission remains concerned about the widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, which continues to delay recovery and the return of displaced residents.
Within its mandate and capabilities, UNIFIL continues to facilitate humanitarian access, support limited repair work and connect communities with humanitarian partners. Investments in national and local service providers, including public hospitals, the Lebanese Red Cross, Civil Defense and municipal water infrastructure, will continue to benefit communities beyond the mission’s presence.
“Endings are never easy, especially when there is a sense that the work we do is still needed, and that there is still more to do,” Ardiel says.
Until 31 December, UNIFIL remains committed to carrying out its mandate, supporting the Lebanese authorities and helping lay the strongest possible foundation for long-term stability and recovery in south Lebanon.
