Paris Conference for Lebanon: Over $1 Billion Raised for Humanitarian and Military Aid

The recent International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty held in Paris became a remarkable moment of unity and commitment, as nations worldwide came together to address Lebanon’s urgent humanitarian and security needs. Organized by French President Emmanuel Macron, the event, held on Thursday, witnessed pledges of over $1 billion dedicated to both humanitarian aid and strengthening Lebanon’s security forces. With 70 countries, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and numerous international and regional organizations joining the initiative, the event marked a significant push to assist Lebanon in navigating its multifaceted crises.

Background of Lebanon’s Crisis

Lebanon has faced immense challenges over recent years, from economic collapse to severe political instability and the massive 2020 Beirut port explosion, which left parts of its capital city in ruins. The Lebanese economy has seen a drastic downturn, with inflation soaring and nearly 80% of the population living below the poverty line. Compounding these issues are Lebanon’s fragile political landscape and the presence of Hezbollah, which has complicated Lebanon’s position in regional geopolitics.

In response to Lebanon’s growing instability and the need for immediate relief, President Macron initiated the conference with an appeal for “massive aid” to help the Lebanese people. Macron emphasized that, with the country experiencing devastating human suffering and strained resources, international intervention is crucial for Lebanon’s survival.

The Financial Breakdown: Where the $1 Billion Will Go

At the conference, $1 billion in aid pledges were raised, of which $800 million is earmarked for humanitarian assistance. This amount is expected to support Lebanon’s need for food, medical supplies, housing, and basic infrastructure recovery. The remaining $200 million is allocated for strengthening Lebanon’s security forces, specifically to enhance their operational capacity in the country’s south, which has been an area of tension with Israel and Hezbollah.

Key Contributions: Nations Unite for Lebanon

Numerous countries and organizations pledged significant amounts to Lebanon during the conference, underscoring the global community’s commitment to aiding the country. Notably:

1. France: The host nation, France, pledged $100 million, emphasizing its dedication to Lebanon’s stabilization. Macron’s efforts are rooted in France’s historical ties with Lebanon and a strong interest in fostering security in the region.
2. United States: The United States committed nearly $300 million in aid, marking one of the largest contributions at the conference. This substantial pledge reflects the U.S.’s support for humanitarian assistance and a stable security presence in Lebanon.
3. Germany: Germany pledged €96 million in humanitarian assistance aimed not only at Lebanon but also at providing essential relief to Syrian refugees living in Lebanon.
4. Italy: Italy joined the efforts with a contribution of an additional €10 million, reiterating its support for Lebanon and the Middle Eastern region as a whole.

These pledges indicate a collaborative approach among Western nations and the EU, as they focus on stabilizing Lebanon and supporting its people amid challenging circumstances.

Addressing Urgent Humanitarian Needs: The UN and Global NGOs

The United Nations had previously estimated Lebanon’s immediate humanitarian needs at around $426 million, a figure that highlighted the urgency of addressing Lebanon’s most pressing crises. However, the pledged amount of $800 million for humanitarian aid not only meets but exceeds this figure, indicating the level of international concern for Lebanon’s plight.

Despite this, delivering humanitarian aid effectively remains a challenge. Lebanon’s dependence on an informal and cash-based economy raises concerns about transparency and corruption risks. Experts have warned that Lebanon’s lack of financial transparency could hamper the equitable distribution of aid, with cash-based transactions providing loopholes for potential misappropriations. To counter these challenges, the UN and several NGOs have proposed a strategy to closely monitor the flow of aid funds and work directly with grassroots organizations within Lebanon to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable communities.

Strengthening Lebanon’s Armed Forces: A Strategic Move

Apart from humanitarian aid, the Paris conference placed a significant focus on bolstering Lebanon’s military forces, with $200 million dedicated to this purpose. The goal is to enable Lebanon’s security forces to play a more substantial role in stabilizing the country, particularly in the south, where tensions with Israel have been a constant concern.

Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, especially in the southern region, has created a complex security situation. Hezbollah’s military presence at the Israeli border has drawn Lebanon into regional conflicts, prompting calls from various quarters for the group to pull back. Enhancing Lebanon’s national armed forces may allow for a security force that can maintain peace and deter external threats without relying on Hezbollah’s presence in the region.

Lebanon’s Call for Action: Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s Plea

Lebanon’s acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who also attended the conference, made a passionate plea to the international community for sustained support. He highlighted the Israeli actions in the south that have exacerbated Lebanon’s suffering, not only in terms of human casualties but also in devastating Lebanon’s critical infrastructure and economy. Mikati urged the international community to address the dire humanitarian needs and emphasized the importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty.

His appeal underscored Lebanon’s internal challenges in governance, which have contributed to the country’s ongoing crises. For Mikati, international support should extend beyond financial aid, focusing on structural reforms to restore Lebanon’s financial system, economic productivity, and security framework.

Challenges Ahead: Corruption and Transparency in Aid Delivery

While the Paris conference has undoubtedly raised significant pledges, the road ahead for Lebanon remains uncertain. The cash-based economy, informal networks, and entrenched corruption are systemic issues that threaten the success of international aid efforts. Lebanon’s reliance on informal economic systems has often led to opaque financial transactions, creating vulnerabilities to corruption.