Latest news with #ImranRiza
LBCI
3 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
UN meeting in Beirut discusses Response Plan and refugee return: International support and government commitment
Lebanon's Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed and U.N. Coordinator Imran Riza chaired a meeting of experts on Lebanon's Response Plan, held after a delay since February and following the formation of the new government. The meeting was attended by representatives from U.N. agencies and donor countries. A detailed presentation of the plan was given, covering intervention priorities, funding, challenges, and the roadmap for the return of Syrian refugees with international support. Donor countries reaffirmed their support for Lebanon and for the safe return of refugees. Minister Sayed emphasized the government's commitment to implementing the return plan and the importance of supporting the 'Aman' social safety net program. Riza stressed the continued need for aid, with a focus on strengthening development.
LBCI
4 days ago
- General
- LBCI
Lebanon's Defense Minister stresses importance of UNIFIL mandate renewal
Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Mnassa met with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, at his office in Yarzeh, where they discussed ongoing coordination with U.N. agencies, particularly the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Minister Mnassa emphasized the need to renew UNIFIL's mandate in August without any modifications, underscoring the crucial role the force plays in maintaining security and stability in South Lebanon and the broader region. The meeting also addressed the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Mnassa called for a clear and actionable plan to ensure their return to Syria, given the evolving developments on the ground. Discussions further covered the situation along the Lebanese-Syrian border and the measures currently in place to monitor and secure the frontier.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
‘Recovery Must Move Ahead' In Southern Lebanon, Top Aid Official Says
30 April 2025 Imran Riza made the appeal following a visit to Bint Jbeil and Tyre districts on Tuesday. ' What I saw in South Lebanon was both depressing and inspiring. The scale of destruction – to villages, health facilities, and water systems – is disturbing,' he said in a statement. Fighting, ceasefire and escalation The crisis stems from fighting that erupted between Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Israeli forces following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed some 1,200 people. Israel launched an incursion into southern Lebanon in late September 2024 and carried out airstrikes across the country that killed thousands and displaced nearly a million people. Last November, Lebanon and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting. It called for Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants to withdraw from the south, while the Lebanese military would redeploy to the region to guarantee the peace alongside troops from UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL, who monitor the Blue Line of separation between the two countries. Since then, ceasefire violations have occurred and violence has escalated, including recent Israeli strikes on areas of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, reportedly targeting Hezbollah. 'No time to lose' Mr. Riza described the people he met in the south as truly inspiring. ' It's clear they want to return home, rebuild, and restart their productive lives,' he said. 'Everyone continues to feel a palpable sense of insecurity. Many still lack basics like water and electricity. Too many are still displaced, their homes flattened.' He said people spoke of their need for peace, safe movement, basic services, and support to rebuild. 'They also shared the trauma they and their children have endured, and the importance of addressing mental health in the wake of what they have lived through,' he added. The Humanitarian Coordinator stressed the critical need for sustained funding to restore water, electricity, healthcare, and education, and to assist people eager to get on with their lives. 'There is no time to lose – recovery must move ahead,' he said. Diplomats reinforce support for UN mission Meanwhile, diplomats from dozens of countries showed their solidarity with UNIFIL's work in south Lebanon in a visit to the mission's headquarters in Naqoura on Tuesday. The diplomatic visit included representatives of 38 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Peacekeepers from 47 countries currently serve with UNIFIL, which was established in March 1978 to confirm Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon. Its mandate was most recently defined in Security Councilresolution 1701(2006), which called for a full cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel following their 34-day war on Lebanese territory that year. An encouraging sign UNIFIL Head and Force Commander, Aroldo Lázaro, welcomed the delegation and noted it would have been impossible to host the diplomats just a few months ago. ' Your presence here is an encouraging indication of the increased stability in the south and the progress made since the understanding on a cessation of hostilities came into effect on 27 November 2024,' he said. 'The support of UNIFIL's troop-contributing countries – and the countries who contribute in other ways – is essential to restoring stability to south Lebanon and along the Blue Line. I thank them and their peacekeepers serving on the ground for their continued contributions.' The delegation also visited two UNIFIL positions along the Blue Line, near Marwahin and in Labbouneh. Ambassadors expressed their appreciation for the mission's important work.
MTV Lebanon
08-03-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
For International Women's Day 2025, the UN celebrates the central role of women and girls in leading, healing and rebuilding Lebanon
Today, on International Women's Day 2025, the global campaign 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment', is calling for action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all. This year's campaign is particularly significant as it aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global commitment to advancing gender equality worldwide. Thirty years ago, world leaders promised a future where gender equality was a reality. Today, that vision is at risk. The pace of progress is too slow, too fragile, too uneven. If nothing changes, a girl born today will wait decades for the rights she deserves: 68 years before child marriage ends, nearly 40 years for women to hold equal seats in parliament, and over a century before extreme poverty for women and girls is eradicated. In Lebanon, the stakes are even higher, and the urgency is even more pronounced. Between October 2023 and late November 2024, the country saw an escalation of hostilities with Israel. This resulted in casualties, mass displacement and heightened socioeconomic vulnerabilities among the population. As of 24 November 2024, close to 900,000 individuals were displaced due to the conflict, with women and girls making up 51 per cent of this population. Of an estimated 260,000 households, close to 21 per cent were women-led households. 'Women, who represented over half of those displaced, have played a pivotal role in providing aid, running shelters, hosting displaced individuals, and fostering solidarity. Their strength, resilience, and leadership during Lebanon's crisis have been remarkable,' said Imran Riza, the United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. 'But recognizing their efforts and contributions is not enough; we must address the barriers limiting their participation in decision-making to unlock their full potential for future recovery efforts.' On International Women's Day 2025, through the #ForAllWomenAndGirls #لكل_النساء_والفتيات campaign, the United Nations in Lebanon is putting a spotlight on the situation of women and girls across Lebanon. The UN Lebanon communications campaign kicks off today, on 8 March, on the social media platforms of UN agencies in Lebanon, with social media assets, an electronic press kit and a video featuring Lebanese actress Pierrette El Katrib, highlighting the role of women in shaping Lebanon's future. Led by UN Women, the campaign is both a celebration and a call to action – highlighting the indispensable role of women and girls in Lebanon in the conflict response, recovery and future reconstruction efforts. 'Women in Lebanon have been at the forefront of crisis response, as leaders, first responders and peacebuilders in times of crisis, yet their voices remain sidelined. They are shaping recovery and rebuilding efforts, yet they remain excluded from key decisions that impact their lives and futures,' said Gielan Elmessiri, UN Women Representative in Lebanon. 'We will not allow the promises of Beijing to be deferred to the next generation. Gender equality is not just a human right – it is the key to a more equal and just Lebanon.' In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on 8 March. The date is now marked worldwide as a day when women are recognized for their achievements, persistent challenges are acknowledged, and advocacy is ramped up for the path forward for change.
National News
08-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
For International Women's Day 2025, the UN celebrates the central role of women and girls in leading, healing and rebuilding Lebanon
NNA - Beirut, Lebanon, 8 March 2025 - Today, on International Women's Day 2025, the global campaign 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment', is calling for action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all. This year's campaign is particularly significant as it aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global commitment to advancing gender equality worldwide. Thirty years ago, world leaders promised a future where gender equality was a reality. Today, that vision is at risk. The pace of progress is too slow, too fragile, too uneven. If nothing changes, a girl born today will wait decades for the rights she deserves: 68 years before child marriage ends, nearly 40 years for women to hold equal seats in parliament, and over a century before extreme poverty for women and girls is eradicated. In Lebanon, the stakes are even higher, and the urgency is even more pronounced. Between October 2023 and late November 2024, the country saw an escalation of hostilities with Israel. This resulted in casualties, mass displacement and heightened socioeconomic vulnerabilities among the population. As of 24 November 2024, close to 900,000 individuals were displaced due to the conflict, with women and girls making up 51 per cent of this population.[1] Of an estimated 260,000 households, close to 21 per cent were women-led households.[2] 'Women, who represented over half of those displaced, have played a pivotal role in providing aid, running shelters, hosting displaced individuals, and fostering solidarity. Their strength, resilience, and leadership during Lebanon's crisis have been remarkable,' said Imran Riza, the United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. 'But recognizing their efforts and contributions is not enough; we must address the barriers limiting their participation in decision-making to unlock their full potential for future recovery efforts.' On International Women's Day 2025, through the #ForAllWomenAndGirls #لكل_النساء_والفتيات campaign, the United Nations in Lebanon is putting a spotlight on the situation of women and girls across Lebanon. The UN Lebanon communications campaign kicks off today, on 8 March, on the social media platforms of UN agencies in Lebanon, with social media assets, an electronic press kit and a video featuring Lebanese actress Pierrette El Katrib, highlighting the role of women in shaping Lebanon's future. Led by UN Women, the campaign is both a celebration and a call to action – highlighting the indispensable role of women and girls in Lebanon in the conflict response, recovery and future reconstruction efforts. 'Women in Lebanon have been at the forefront of crisis response, as leaders, first responders and peacebuilders in times of crisis, yet their voices remain sidelined. They are shaping recovery and rebuilding efforts, yet they remain excluded from key decisions that impact their lives and futures,' said Gielan Elmessiri, UN Women Representative in Lebanon. 'We will not allow the promises of Beijing to be deferred to the next generation. Gender equality is not just a human right – it is the key to a more equal and just Lebanon.' In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on 8 March. The date is now marked worldwide as a day when women are recognized for their achievements, persistent challenges are acknowledged, and advocacy is ramped up for the path forward for change. About the United Nations The United Nations system in Lebanon comprises 26 agencies, funds and programmes, as well as a peacekeeping mission, a political mission, and a regional commission that cover a broad spectrum of peacekeeping, political, development, human rights and humanitarian work in Lebanon. The United Nations supports Lebanon to promote the country's long-term peace and security, development and human rights priorities. Media Contacts:
