annual report2016

lebanon Mine action center

targetaudienceThis Annual Report 2016 is intended to inform all

mine action stakeholders and other interested

parties such as public and private sectors, as

well as the national and international community

about the activities, achievements, and challenges

faced by the Lebanon Mine Action Programme

(LMAP) during the year 2016.

Target Audience 3

Forward 6-7

Executive Summary 8-9

OvErviEw 10

2011-20 STrATEgy OvErviEw 11

STrATEgic PArTnErShiP 12

Output 1: AFFEcTEd cOmmuniTiES EnAblEd TO bETTEr mAnAgE riSkS POSEd by minES

13

rAPid rESPOnSE 13

minE riSk EducATiOn 14-19

Output 2: ThE Full rEAliZATiOn OF ThE righTS OF minE vicTimS guArAnTEEd

20

mine victim Assistance 20-21

income generation Project 22-23

rehabilitation and reintegration 23-24

disability day activities 25-26

Output3: mine Action contributes to Socio-Economic use through land release

27

clearance/land release 27

Pre-clearance 27-28

clearance 29-31

table of content

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clearance Achievements 32

Post clearance 33-35

Quality management 35

Output 4: compliance to and Promotion of the universalization of the ccm and Other relevant international instruments

36

resource mobilization 37

cooperation and Technical assistance 37

international Trainings 38

Advocacy 38

international visits and meetings 39

national visits 40-41

Output 5: A Sustainable capacity to manage residual risks is Established 44

ThE rShdl 44-46

OuTlOOk 46

TOwArdS A nEw lEbAnOn, A minE FrEE lAnd 46

AcrOnymS And AbbrEviATiOnS 47-48tab

le o

f co

nte

nt

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foRWaRD

It’s my honor and pleasure to place

before you our 2016 Annual Report

of the Lebanon Mine Action Center

(LMAC). In this report, we highlight

our key achievements, delivered in

collaboration with our partners throughout the

year.

The persistent socio economic and humanitarian

impact of mines and cluster bombs on the lives

and livelihoods of the Lebanese residents has been

depriving them from their right to safely access and

utilize their lands. In turn, LMAC continues to build

on the milestones after 18 years of professionalism

and dedication to secure “a country free from

landmines and other explosive remnants of war

where people and communities live in a safe

environment conducive to national development,

and where landmine and Explosive Remnants of

War (ERW) survivors are fully integrated in the

society and have their rights and needs recognized

and fulfilled.”

Since its establishment in 1998, the LMAC has

adopted community-based demining approaches

in which local and international implementers are

trained, mentored, and led by core staff, to enable

them to work in difficult areas and solve problems.

Implemented activities range from the delivery

of large scale land clearance, to a range of effective

mine risk education campaigns, mine victims’

assistance, international training programs,

advocacy efforts, and cutting edge research.

Within the scope of our persistent drive for

continuous improvements, LMAC is looking into

and acquiring the most advanced equipment and

methods to ensure the highest possible efficiency

in clearance.

Furthermore, with the support of the United

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and

other international NGOs, LMAC in coordination with

the Mine Risk Education (MRE) steering committee

organized a set of MRE events that reached a large

group of the Lebanese population. The intention

was to deliver the remarkable activities on April 4,

2016 to in commemoration of the International

Mine Awareness Day. This year, special attention

was given to also recognize the International

Day of Persons with Disabilities and for the first

time in Lebanon, several activities took place on

December 3, 2016 to emphasize the importance

of reintegrating mine victims into society and

supporting their rights.

These impressive results could not have been

achieved without the efforts exerted by each and

every deminer, educator, manager, and leader

who made the Mine Action Program so successful.

In this context, I would like to convey my sincerest

appreciation and acknowledgement to the

Government of Lebanon (GoL), the Lebanese Armed

Forces (LAF), as well as the donor community and

national/international NGOs for their continuous

support to the LMAC. I would like to take this

opportunity to particularly thank the European

Union (EU), the US Office of Weapons Removal and

Annual Report6

L E b A N O N M I N E A C T I O N

Abatement (WRA), and other international donors,

as well as UNDP for the fruitful institutional support

provided to LMAC throughout the years. I would

also like to thank the steering committees and the

private sector contributors.

With regards to the 2011-2020 strategy, we stand

mid- way faced by challenges such as securing the

necessary funds to ensure the consistency of our

land clearance capacity. Consequently, meeting our

national and international obligations is strongly

tied to the availability of required resources.

The year 2016 has also marked the hand-over

of the Arab Regional Cooperation Program (ARCP)

management from the Geneva International Centre

for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) to LMAC, which

gave Lebanon a strategic and regional opportunity

to plan, manage, coordinate, and implement mine

action standards.

Envisioning a world in which all Arabic speaking

mine affected communities are enabled to their

fullest potential to achieve freedom from the

impact of mines and ERW, Lebanon has launched

the Regional School for Humanitarian Demining

initiative last year and we are in process of fully

157,650 people were aware of the risks of mines distributed as per the below:

- 86,707 were females

- 70,943 were males

- 87,600 were children

- More than 50 prosethetic

limbs provided.

- more than 100

beneficiairies trained

on income generation

program

- more than 30

beneficiaries awarded to

start their new business

- 2,001,408 m2 of CBus’ contaminated lands cleared.

- 549,806 m2 of minfields cleared

MRE Achievements MVA Achievements Clearance Achievements

equipping the school, and we are thankful for all

current and future contributions that can help

speed this process along.

We look forward to fulfill our dream: the dream of

mine free lands, and a mine free Lebanon.

Sincerely yours,

Brigadier General Ziad Nasr

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A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7

Mines and other Explosive Remnants

of War (ERW) including cluster munition

continue to present humanitarian

and socio-economic threats to the

remaining 38% of contaminated areas in Lebanon,

as these hazards block access to land in many cases

and hinder the delivery of key development and

infrastructure initiatives. Years of hard work and

dedication of the Lebanon Mine Action Programme

(LMAP) have resulted in the improvement of the

overall Programme productivity, which has led

to a considerable reduction in negative impact.

However, future steps will still need to be taken

towards the aim of reaching the LMAC’s vision of a

mine and explosive free country.

Mines and other ERW have critical humanitarian

impacts including cluster munition often causing

serious injuries to victims, without differentiating

between man or woman, child or adult. beyond

immediate emergency and medical assistance, mine

and ERW victims require ongoing support to help

LMAC is committed to continue operating to achieve its strategy

them recover, reconcile with their new condition,

and re-integrate socially and economically in

their communities. Accordingly, and in order to

support the reduction of victims’ plight, the LMAC,

together with the Mine Victim Assistance (MVA)

Steering Committee vigorously provided support

in accordance to victims’ needs as means allowed.

Provisions varied to include socio-economic

support, physical rehabilitation, and psychological

and psycho-social aid. The year 2016 recorded a

decrease of the mines and ERW victims to seven

cases; however income generating projects were

launched and developed by a large tranche of

injured victims.

Adequate land release and assistance towards

mine victims cannot be provided without the

implementation of a wide-reaching mine risk

education campaign aiming to increase the level of

community awareness towards this life-threatening

hazard. Accordingly, the LMAC implemented

various MRE activities, in cooperation with the

eXecUtIVe SUMMaRY

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MRE Steering Committee, including a national MRE

campaign, various MRE awareness raising activities

at educational institutions across Lebanon and

other year-round MRE activities, especially training

NGO activists, social workers, and health workers

on delivering MRE. During 2016, LMAC provided

more than hundred MRE presentations in schools

and universities in Lebanon and conducted a vast

number of field visits to promote mine risk education

in more villages, social and cultural development

centers, reaching one hundred thousand people

with a respect for gender and age group equality.

In the scope of implementing a sustainable

and adequate structure to manage humanitarian

demining processes, the year 2016 witnessed

highly significant progress in the rehabilitation of a

new Regional school of Humanitarian Demining in

Lebanon (RSHDL) which is supposed to resemble

a regional hub for delivering capacity building

trainings to enhance the humanitarian demining

process.

The year 2016 was also marked by the initiation of

the revision of the National Mine Action Standards

(NMAS) of Lebanon, the active engagement

of Lebanon in various national, regional, and

international platforms for advocacy and the

exchange of experience, as well as capacity building

initiatives to keep Lebanon’s team up-to-date with

the latest practices in Humanitarian Mine Action

(HMA).

Moreover, the hazard of mines and ERW places

excessive burdens on both Lebanon’s social

and economic sectors, especially in rural areas.

For instance, contaminated rural areas remain

unexploited by their owners which restricts the

livelihoods of marginalized and vulnerable rural

communities by preventing them from investing

their lands in socio-economic activities. Therefore,

regaining socio-economic stability and promoting

livelihood along with decreasing the impact of

mine contamination through clearance operations

remains a top priority in Lebanon.

The year 2016 witnessed the implementation

of the second phase of the Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) to hand over the Arab Regional

Cooperation Programme (ARCP) to Lebanon.

Consequently, LMAC is effectively considered as

a regional center of reference to Arab speaking

countries, providing with the support of the GICHD

mine action advisory and consultancy. Moreover,

Lebanon achieved the rehabilitation of the RSHDL

through which Lebanon will institutionalize its

expertise and facilitate the sustainable transfer

of knowledge to the neighboring countries in the

region.

The combined efforts of the UNDP, international

donors, and local stakeholders have enabled

impressive results in a variety of fields. Nevertheless,

with the fortitude to reinforce the national mine

action capacity, the LMAC strives incessantly

to mobilize national and international financial

resources for the continuity of all HMA Operations to

secure the progressive advancement in Lebanon’s

recovery path towards a safe, sustainable and

developed country.

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oVeRVIeW

aboUt lMac

Esablished in 1998, the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC) operates under the command of the Deputy Chief

of Staff for Operations of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This center was designated as the responsible body to

execute and coordinate the (LMAP) Lebanon Mine Action Programme on behalf of The Lebanon Mine Action Authority

(LMAA).

The LMAC accentuates on applying a humanitarian approach centered on promoting safety, reducing risks, and

relieving human suffering through the containment of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mines and

ERW on the local community. Headed by the Director, LAF officers have been assigned to manage the various pillars

and functions of HMA, including:

Demining operators work under the direct supervision of the Operation section of LMAC. With the aim to effectively

plan, coordinate and implement mine risk education and mine victim assistance activities, MRE and MVA sections

rigorously supervise two respective steering committees. Furthermore, a team of United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) staff located at both the LMAC and the RMAC-N is deployed to enhance the capacity of the LMAC

through the provision of administrative advisory support and technical assistance.

Relying of the unconditional desire to serve the Lebanese community, The LMAC remains dedicated to its mission; to

manage the Lebanon Mine Action Programme to the highest possible efficiency, utilizing best practices and standards.

Its vision is for Lebanon to be free of the impact of landmines, cluster munitions, unexploded ordnance, and all

explosive remnants of war.

LMAC strives to fulfill the dream of every resident

in Lebanon, a dream of a mine - free land.

Operations

information management

mine risk Education/ media

regional School for humanitarian demining

in lebanon (rShdl)

Quality Assurance/ Quality control

Administration/ logistics

mine victim Assistance

regional mine Action center-nabatieh (rmAc-n

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L E b A N O N M I N E A C T I O N

2011-20 StRateGY oVeRVIeWWritten in compliance with the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) and in a spirit of compliance with the Anti-

Personnel Mine ban Convention, commonly referred to as the Ottawa Treaty, Lebanon issued in 2011, its National

Mine Action Strategy for the period 2011-2020. Composed of 5 strategic outputs. The strategy aims at providing a

framework through which the country could meet its obligations under the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).

Accordingly, Lebanon issues its annual report every year which intends to reflect on the progress made towards the

accomplishments of the strategy’s outputs. The report also highlights the major challenges that were faced during the

said period.

L E b A N O N M I N E A C T I O N

Affected communities enabled to

better manage risks posed by mines

(reference to Article 4 of the CCM)

Compliance to and promotion of

the universalization of the CCM

and other relevant international

instruments (reference to article 6

and 7 of the CCM)

The full realization of the rights of

mine victims guaranteed (reference

to article 5 of the CCM)

A sustainable capacity to manage

residual risks is established

Mine Action contributes to socio-

economic use through land release

(re. Article 4 of the CCM)

Output 1

Output 4

Output 2

Output 5

Output 3

Strategic Outputs as Presented in the Lebanon Mine Action Strategy 2020-2011

TogeTherfor

aSafer

Life

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Table 2: Humanitarian Mine Action Capacity in Lebanon

StRateGIc PaRtneRSHIP

Activities under the above outputs were implemented

by the LMAC, the MVA Steering Committee, the MRE

Steering Committee, and demining organizations,

each according to its capacity. Furthermore, the UNDP

provided institutional support to the LMAC. Through this

strategic partnership, the effectiveness of humanitarian

ImplemeNtING partNer Operational mre mVa Institutional Support

lAF Er ü üdAniSh church Aid (dcA) ü ühAndicAP inTErnATiOnAl (hi) üminE AdviSOry grOuP (mAg) ü ünOrwEgiAn PEOPlE’S Aid (nPA) ü ü üPEAcE gEnErATiOn OrgAniZATiOn FOr dEmining (POd) üSTEEring cOmmiTTEES ü üuniTEd nATiOnS dEvElOPmEnT PrOgrAmmE (undP) ülAmindA in PArTnErShiP wiTh dcA ü ü

demining in Lebanon increased to reach successful levels, thanks to the highly recognizable cooperation among the

partners that deepen the impact of the intervention in this context.

lAndminE rESOurcE cEnTEr – bAlAmAnd univErSiTy (lmrc) Al-JArhA ASSOciATiOn

wOrld rEhAbiliTATiOn Fund (wrF) lEbAnESE wElFArE ASSOciATiOn FOr ThE hAndicAPPEd (lwAh)

nOrwEgiAn PEOPlE’S Aid (nPA) EmPOwErmEnT ASSOciATiOn FOr indEPEndEnT living

viSiOn ASSOciATiOn FOr dEvElOPmEnT, rEhAbiliTATiOn, And cArE iSlAmic riSAlA ScOuT

iSlAmic hEAlTh cOuncil nATiOnAl rEhAbiliTATiOn And dEvElOPmEnT cEnTEr (nrdc)

lEbAnESE ASSOciATiOn FOr hEAlTh And SOciAl cArE miniSTry OF SOciAl AFFAirS (mOSA)

miniSTry OF Public hEAlTh

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lAndminE rESOurcE cEnTEr – bAlAmAnd univErSiTy (lmrc) Al-JArhA ASSOciATiOn

wOrld rEhAbiliTATiOn Fund (wrA) lEbAnESE wElFArE ASSOciATiOn FOr ThE hAndicAPPEd (lwAh)

nOrwEgiAn PEOPlE’S Aid (nPA) EmPOwErmEnT ASSOciATiOn FOr indEPEndEnT living (EAil)

viSiOn ASSOciATiOn FOr dEvElOPmEnT, rEhAbiliTATiOn, And cArE iSlAmic riSAlA ScOuT

iSlAmic hEAlTh cOuncil nATiOnAl rEhAbiliTATiOn And dEvElOPmEnT cEnTEr (nrdc)

lEbAnESE ASSOciATiOn FOr hEAlTh And SOciAl cArE miniSTry OF EducATiOn And highEr EducATiOn (mOEhE)

uniTEd nATiOnS inTErnATiOnAl childrEn’S EmErgEncy Fund (unicEF) minE AdviSOry grOuP (mAg)

miniSTry OF SOciAl AFFAirS (mOSA) lAmindA

milestones of 2016Throughout the year 2016, the LMAC, in collaboration

with national and international partners, delivered a set

of activities that positively influenced LMAC`s alignments

with the strategy. Consequently, the below part will

tackle the LMACs achievement during the year 2016

accompanied with the challenges pertinent to each

output of the Strategy.

Output 1: Affected Communities Enabled to

Better Manage Risks posed by Mines

The MRE constituted the first output in the

Lebanon Mine Action Strategy Framework 2011–

2020;

AFFECTED COMMUNITIES ENAbLED TO bETTER

MANAGE RISKS POSED bY MINES

RAPID RESPONSE

Requests for mine action rapid response are

responded to immediately and anywhere in

Lebanon

Throughout 2016, a Rapid Response Team was

operational 24 hours a day throughout the year

and all requests were answered immediately,

thereby achieving the milestone set out in the

National Strategy. The Lebanese Armed Forces are

responsible for rapid response. However, at times,

municipalities, local authority, community liaison

officers, mine action NGOs, as well as agricultural

workers and shepherds were also requested to

assist LAF with requests in their geographical area

of operations.

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During an awareness-raising session performed

by LMAC in a village in bekaa, one of the farmers

reported that he saw a suspicious object while he

was harvesting his land. He promptly informed LMAC

and the item that was suspected to be dangerous

was checked within less than an hour and found

to be safe. This is an example of collaboration

between mine action actors at local levels and the

community based reporting system technique.

While the questionably dangerous item was not

a mine or ERW, this story highlights how well the

reporting mechanism worked. The rapid response

service ensures the safety of the communities

MINE RISK EDUCATION

Residents of Lebanon have access to relevant and

updated information to manage the risk posed by

mines, and permanent risk education capacity is

developed

Mine Risk Education (MRE) remains an integral

part of HMA and a core obligation under the LMAC

strategy with its focus on minimizing risks of injury

and death. During 2016, LMAC provided more than

150 MRE presentations in schools and universities

in Lebanon and conducted a vast number of field

visits to promote mine risk education in more than

100 villages, 50 social and cultural development

centers, reaching 157,650 people of whom 86,707

in affected areas as requests are responded to

immediately. It also has socio-economic benefits

since the immediate response means that the land

does not become unusable if a UXO or other ERW

is found. This, in turn, provides peace of mind to the

affected communities. During 2016, rapid response

calls were received and promptly responded to,

resulting in the identification and destruction of

5,455 different types of Mines/ERW, including

cluster munitions. The below table shows numbers

and types of mines/ERW and cluster munitions

identified and destroyed during 2016 through rapid

response.

were females, 70,943 were males, and 87,600 were

children. Such activities were aided by materials and

approaches designed to reach the largest number

of schools and the general population. Children

are especially vulnerable to the dangers of ERW.

Naturally curious, children are most likely to pick up

strange or shiny objects thinking they are toys, or

to try to salvage them. Even if they survive, a child

injured by a mine or an ERW will face months of

painful recovery and will struggle to afford replacing

prosthetic limbs as they grow. Many injured children

never return to school and face discrimination and

social exclusion for life.

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as shown on the map, we notice that the MRE campaigns reached most of the Lebanese regions with a special focus on the capital of Lebanon which hosted an impressive marathon event on the November 13, 2016, gathering more than 45,000 attendees from different ages and nationalities all running for different reasons out of which the most important reason is to stand against the use of mines and cluster bombs. Running for this cause, LMAC participated in this marathon which was sponsored by bLOM bank, a reputable Lebanese bank, and performed numerous activities including displaying informative posters and banners, samples of mines and cluster bombs, distributing brochures, robotic machines, puzzle games, releasing balloons displaying the golden awareness rule, and providing several briefings to increase the impact of the message. In addition to that, important MRE events have been held in schools, universities and, villages in other Lebanese governorates, reaching over 20,000 attendees in each of the North and Mount Lebanon governorates and over 30,000 attendees

in each of bekaa and South Lebanon governorates.

During 2016, mre campaigns reached both females and males approximately equally with a focus on the age groups between 13 and 29 years old as this group includes children and university students who are most vulnerable to the dangers of mines and ERW.

• 86,707 females have been targeted with awareness raising messages

• 70,943 males have been reached with

awareness raising messages

The MRE campaigns and awareness lectures

usually reach most of the Lebanese locations

(Schools, Universities and Villages).

• 100 villages reached with awareness messages

• 26 schools and 25 universities were targeted with

awareness sessions.

Figure 1.1 This Map shows the distribution of MRE awareness

campaigns` attendees as per the Lebanese regions.

Figure 1.3 This figure shows the distribution of attendees as

per their gender and age group.

Figure 1.2 This figure shows the distribution of attendees as per

the awareness locations.

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Together Against Mines

campaign, along with other

round year activities, have

reached 157,600 people.

Large Number of

awareness materials were

distributed during the

campaign and throughout

the year.

50 new and 40

experienced MRE activists

t r a i n e d .

3000,000 SMS messages

have been sent.

50 health care providers

trained all over the country.

5,000 painting books

and 2,000 games have

been distributed.

60 Scout members

trained to include MRE

messages in their activities.

200 informative Posters

have been displayed during

the campaign.

100 social workers

trained and monitored

20 awareness banners

have been hang up.

25,000 brochures have

been distributed.

70 school teachers

regularly integrate MRE

in their health education

activ it ies

20 TV shots and Radio

interviews have been taken.20 Local and internal

channels covered the event

These activities were funded by the EU, UNICEF, UNMAS, NPA and bLOM bANK were supported by UNDP

in order to ensure better protection of children and families from the dangers of Explosive Remnants

of War, including Cluster Munitions. The activities were executed in collaboration with the national MRE

steering committee members (Land Mine Resource Center, University of balamand; World Rehabilitation

Fund ; Lebanese Association for Health and Social Care; The Ministry of Social Affairs; Al Jarha Association;

Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped; Empowerment Association Independent Living; Vision

Association for Development, Rehabilitation and Social Care; Islamic Risala Scout; Islamic Health Council;

National Rehabilitation and Development Centre, and a series of international partners (NPA, MAG, HI, and

DCA).

In preparation for a series of awareness events for April 4, 2016, the LMAC worked

with partners to launch a campaign with title

#Together Against Mines, allowing people

residing in Lebanon to demonstrate their

engagement for a country free of mines.

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natIonal MRe caMPaIGnBicycle Ride Event: A bicycle ride event (beirut by bike) was organized on the April 3, 2016 in beirut, the

capital of Lebanon, gathering more than 700 participants from all over the Lebanese regions.

Awareness day in Southern Lebanon: A mine awareness day was held in Zawtar city in southern Lebanon, gathering more than 300 persons from mine victim families and scouts in the area to stand against the use of mines and cluster bombs.

Balloon Release Campaign: An event which included the release of 2000 balloons was held in Tyre in southern Lebanon on April 4, 2016, gathering more than 225 people to stand against mines.

Awareness day in Tyre, Southern Lebanon: On the April 9, 2016, a mine awareness day was held in Tyre, southern Lebanon. More than 1200 persons participated in the event

Launching of a project to clear Mines: On April 5, 2016, the launching of a project to clear minefields funded by BLOM Bank under the direct supervisionof LMAC , was held in Hadth El Jebth, Nouthern Lebanon.

Football Game Event: On the April 15, 2016, a football game was organized at Al- Khiam, southern Lebanon, between mine survivors and teams from (UNIFIL).More than 150 persons attended the event.

Fun Run Marathon: A Fun Run Marathon was organized in batroun, northern Lebanon, on the April 6, 2016, with the participation of 100 personnel from local organizations and 740 school students.

Awareness Campaigns at Educational Institutions: Within the National MRE Campaign, MRE lectures were delivered at 26 schools and 25 universities to 2,514 participants by the LMAC and the Engineering Regiment (ER).

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Production of three MRE leaflets including:

MRe activities Included: more than 10 awareness sessions have been provided in more than 10 schools and universities during the year.

The Land Mines Resource Center (LMRC) for Lebanon, established in 1997, represents one of the earliest civilian responses to the landmine problem in the Middle East. Located in the Faculty of Health Sciences - Achrafieh Campus- at the University of balamand, LMRC is committed to providing accurate and scientific information concerning the landmine issue in Lebanon and the needs of people disabled by war-related injuries throughout the country.

• Children Leaflet produced in 15,000 copies.

• Students Leaflet produced in 5000 copies.

• Community Leaflet produced in 60,000

copies.

the landmines resource Centeruniversity of Balamand

MRe SteeRInG coMMIttee MeMbeR actIVItIeS al Jarha Foundation and the Islamic Health association’s civil defense activities

In commemoration of International Mine awareness day during April 2016, Al Jarha Foundation, one of the MRE steering committee members, effectively operating in the south, organized a mine awareness day in Zawter village, southern Lebanon in the presence of the MRE steering committee and under the supervision of LMAC. This day included sport activities, mainly a football match and a ping pong match played by a mine victim team and a team from NPA, aiming to positively influence the reintegration of mine victims into the society. Furthermore, this event included the release of balloons displaying the mine awareness slogan “together against mines” and wall paintings. Students and residents from the village and its suburbs participated in the event to express their united desire to stand against the use of mines and cluster bombs. The association implemented another set of MRE activities throughout the year mainly at education and cultural centers as well as scouts’ clubs and schools contributing to educating more than 25,000 citizens on the threats and dangers of mines.

National Center for Development and rehabilitation (NrDC)

The National Center for Development and Rehabilitation is one of the MRE steering committee members that works on treatment, rehabilitation and inclusion of disabled persons in Lebanon, mainly with children with special needs. It is additionally involved with children’s rights at a national, regional, and international level. NRDCs` MRE activities included:

Delivering sets of workshops to train trainers on different MRE materials.

participating in the 4th activities.

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L E b A N O N M I N E A C T I O N

The high costs of producing new MRE materials underlines the need to increase funding.

The delay of the government in reviewing the civics book postponed the integration of MRE messages in the general curriculum.

The large number of displaced persons in impacted communities hinder the proper application of MRE activities.

The success of MRE programs is difficult to measure due to the qualitative nature of changes that defy simple measurements.

Finding Sources

Rules and Regulations

Behavior Changes

Difficulties in changing behavior and correcting misconcept ions .

Displacement

MRE success measurment

As a conclusion, MRE promotes behavioral change among communities according to the communities’ gender and age group with a focus on the adoption of the required awareness materials to reap its educational benefits. Therefore, due to the funding constraints slowing down the pace of the clearance operations, LMAC will strive to increase the number of awareness sessions to reduce the intensity and the impact of mines as the center believes that the more the people are aware of the danger of mines, the less impact this danger has on their lives.

Furthermore, LMAC will endeavor to integrate MRE messages in the education curriculum of schools to ensure that all the Lebanese children receive proper education on the threats of mines.

In 2016, LMAC received a phone call from an eight-year-old child addressing his own experience with the effectiveness of LMAC MRE messages. The child called LMAC to thank them for their hard work in raising the level of awareness of the potentially vulnerable communities in the district where he was able to save the life of his grandma, who was about to cross a minefield, not aware of the precautionary signs placed by the army. because of this awareness program implemented by LMAC, students in the district are also now disseminating what they know about mine explosions to younger children in their own schools, to students of neighboring schools, and to the local communities. This has helped build general awareness about explosive devices in the district.

fUtURe PlanS

cHallenGeS

PeRSonal eXPeRIenceS

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A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 6

MINE VICTIM ASSISTANCE

THE FULL REALIZATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MINE VICTIMS GUARANTEED

The MVA constituted the second output in the Lebanon Mine Action Strategy Framework 2011 – 2020;

In Lebanon, Mine Victim Assistance (MVA) is undertaken using the three-tiered definition of landmine victims, which includes individuals that are directly affected by mines, their families, and mine-affected communities.

In 2016, the number of casualties decreased from 17 (in 2015) to seven. As indicated in the table below, the age group of 19 years and above was the most affected by the burden that mines pose. These individuals are active members in society, seeking to regain a normal life.

The casualties per gender and device type show that males in 2016 are the only affected age group by the impact of mines. These individuals are mainly active male providers that economically support a family. The accidents cause changes in their lives as well as major disruptions to their families’ day life.

MoRe tHan 120 of elIGIble VIctIMS InclUDeD In

ReHabIlItatIon PRoGRaM

oVeR 1000 PeoPle attenDeD tHe DISabIlItY DaY oUt of WHIcH 200

WeRe MIne VIctIMS.

MoRe tHan 50 PRoStHetIc lIMbS PRoVIDeD.

SIX VIctIM caUSalItIeS WeRe cIVIlIanS.

MoRe tHan 40 PRoStHetIc lIMbS RePaIReD.

one VIctIM caUSalItY WaS DeMIneR.

MoRe tHan 100 benefIcIaRIeS tRaIneD on IncoMe GeneRatInG

PRoGRaM.MoRe tHan 30 aWaRDeD to StaRt

tHeIR oWn bUSIneSS.

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L E b A N O N M I N E A C T I O N

type / GeNDer Injured KIlleD tOtal

FEmAlE 0 0 0

mAlE 7 0 7

Table 1: The number of Mine/ERW casualties in 2016

Figure 3: Segregation of Mine Victims by Type of Device, Lebanese Region and Victim›s Nationality

Date OF INCIDeNt

locationof incident

OperationalGeNDer aGe Device type Killed / Injured Nationality

2016-03-7 SOuTh mAlE > = 19 unknOwn inJurEd lEbAnESE

2016-05-31 nOrTh mAlE > = 19 uXO inJurEd lEbAnESE

2016-05-31 nOrTh mAlE > = 19 uXO inJurEd FOrEignErS

2016-05-31 nOrTh mAlE > = 19 uXO inJurEd lEbAnESE

2016-06-19 nOrTh mAlE > = 19 cluSTEr bOmb inJurEd FOrEignErS

2016-09-29 nOrTh mAlE > = 19 AP inJurEd FOrEignErS

2016-11-29 SOuTh mAlE > = 19 AP inJurEd lEbAnESE

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A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 6

INCOME GENERATING PROJECT:

Income-Generating Projects are types of continuous vocational training programs that help participants acquire or upgrade their vocational skills and which enable them to conduct income generating activities. A case is made that such programs should be directed mainly towards people who are currently not self-sufficient in a modern world and towards those at or below the poverty line.In Lebanon, many people have suffered not only from physical injuries due to mine and ERW accidents, but have also suffered from psychological traumas, which prevent them from joining the workforce. The LMAC, in coordination with the steering committee, funded by the EU (86%) and MLI (14%), developed a program that motivates mine victims

2016acHIeVeMentS

Figure 4: Percentage of victims by region from 2006 till 2016

to get back to their regular life and helps them to become financially independent members of society.In 2016, 150 direct beneficiaries, of which 27 were grant winners, were trained through funds from the EU, on income generating projects which allowed them access to healthy means of reintegration into society. Through another training funded by the Marshal Legacy Institute (MLI), 33 survivors were trained and 9 were selected as winners. The number of grant winners is classified by category of project (apple trees two winners, bee keeping three winners, poultry four winners). The material offered a diversified choice of topics allowing each participant to choose the training of their preferences and highlighting their skills.

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REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION:

PROSTHETIC DEVICES:

The topics tackled the following:

Raising poultry (egg and meat production)

Beekeeping

Agriculture

After completing the training and undergoing a competitive process, 15 individuals received grants to start their own income generating projects. This step is an opportunity allowing all the participants to use their acquired skills to improve their personal and familial quality of life. Unfortunately, victim assistance is a continuous process that requires constant support.

In the year 2016, many victims benefited from prosthetic services funded by EU, MLI, and ITF.

Physical rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration are closely linked in needs. Enabling a person with a disability to walk and move about is a great achievement. Physical

rehabilitation involves physiotherapy and fitting with artificial limbs (prostheses) or with assistive devices. Disabled mine survivors require physical rehabilitation for the rest of their lives.

Figure 5: A survivor while harvesting his crop.

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PROSTHETIC DEVICES:

PROSTHETICS FUNDED BY MLI:

PROSTHETICS FUNDED BY ITF:

43 out of 45 survivors fitted with prosthetic limbs showed satisfaction as per the agreed satisfaction survey.

37 out of 39 survivors who had their prosthetic limbs repaired showed satisfaction as per the agreed satisfaction survey.

Medical/ rehabilitative assistance was provided to 45 Lebanese mine/UXO survivors upon the approval of the survivors’ profiles by LMAC and MLI, funded by MLI.

Six victims received new prosthetic limbs or prosthetic limb repair through funds from ITF.These survivors deserve a chance to regain a proper self-image in their societies and a chance to support their families. Since they are unable to do this on their own, they require external support to achieve their needs. This is where humanitarian organizations play a vital role for a highly noble cause by providing aid for these victims. The European Union (EU) and the

Marshal Legacy Institute (MLI) are two of the leading organizations that strive to empower the lives of victims with disabilities through installing new prosthetic devices and maintaining previously installed ones free of charge.On a national level, the steering committee, which consists of local NGOs, aided survivors of mine explosions under the supervision of the LMAC through funds of their own.

type OF meDICal aSSIStaNCe prosthetic limbs repaIr

number of victims funded by Eu 43 37

number of victims funded by mli 45 13

number victims funded by iTF 6 0

Total 94 50

Table 5: the number of medical assistance provided for victims in 2016

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DISABILITY DAY ACTIVITIES:

The LMAC and the National Mine Victim Assistance Steering Committee organized a series of activities to celebrate the International Disability Day (December 3) for the first time in Lebanon.

The event was celebrated by the oriental choir of blind of St. Luca School of blind in baabda. A football game took place at the Military Academy on November 26, 2016 between LWHA team of mine survivors and the military football team.

Activities began with a national event held at the University of Balamand (Achrafieh Campus) on November 24, 2016. Under the auspices of LMAC, the event was attended by EU, UNDP, and UNICEF representatives in addition to LMAC officers and NGO members of the National MVA Steering

Figure 6: pictures of victims during disability day 2016

Figure 7: Victims while playing football

Committee. The event, facilitated by LMAC and supported by MVA donors (EU/MLI), grouped more than 80 survivors who spoke of the importance of enforcing the law 220/2000 and who exhibited the products of their income generating projects.

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regional events followed in Bint Jbeil (December 3, 2016), tyr December 10, 2016, and in Baakline (December 18, 2016).

In Bint Jbeil, the event was organized by AL JARHA and AL HAY’A in partnership with the Municipality of Bint Jbeil which honored LMAC and greeted the National MVA Steering Committee.

In Tyr, the event was organized by the Islamic RISALA Scouts Association and LWAH, hosted by the municipality, and had Mrs. Randa Berri as keynote speaker.

In Baakline, the event was organized by the National Rehabilitation Center and Mrs. Nora Joumblat was the key note speaker.

All activities highlighted the rights of the disabled, the importance of enforcing the law 220/2000, and the importance of joining the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRpD).

PROSTHETICS FUNDED BY ITF:

FUTURE PLANS

Lebanon’s health-care system was and still is under severe pressure. Lebanon’s government covers all emergency and temporary care needed by victims. However, long-term care must be paid for (either partially or fully) by the victim. Thus, many Lebanese citizens do not receive proper care for their injuries due to financial constraints. Another major problem with Lebanon’s victim-assistance programs is that most of the primary treatment and training facilities are in major cities, while the highest reports of mine- and UXO-related injuries and deaths occur in

The national law 220/2000 “Access and Rights of the people with disability “, issued in May 2000, is a comprehensive law that includes all sectors: it addresses the rights of people with disabilities to proper education, rehabilitation services, employment, medical service, sports, and access to public transport and other facilities. However, the law has yet to be comprehensively put into practice, due, in part, to the lack of sufficient resource allocation within the public budget.The LMAC will endeavor to expedite the process of disability cards’ initiation and will support the victims to be aware of their rights.“A mine-free world does not need to be a dream - together, we can make it a reality”

rural areas. Individuals from rural areas are, in some cases, not able to find or pay for transportation to get to the correct facilities in time to save their lives.The health and social welfare sectors in Lebanon, as well as other sectors, like education, transport, and employment are unable to cater for the needs and rights of the victims. Hence, seeking donor money is the current alternative and will remain the only valid and viable option until the governmental systems in charge of victim assistance have the capacity to take over; a case that is not foreseen to occur soon.

Heather Mills

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CLEARENCE / LAND RELEASE

Mine Action Contributes to Socio-Economic Use through Land Release

LMAC,with the support of the national and international community, is committed to eliminating the risk of mines and ERW including cluster munition to decrease the socio-economic burden on impacted communities.In this context, LMAC deploys teams in accordance to clearance priorities and implements the available

In the scope of determining the impacted areas, non-technical, technical, and data verification processes have been conducted throughout the year across the entire country except for the blue Line. These rigorous efforts have led to the discovery of 8 new dangerous areas with a total surface area of 264,000 sqm. The area was recorded, entered into IMISMA, and added to the previously classified contaminated area. Consequently, the overall remaining contaminated area by the end of 2016 became 61,236,393 sqm.LMAC consistently updates data that is collected through non-technical and technical surveys of the blue Line, initiated by the Lebanese Armed Forces/ Engineering Regiment. This data is regularly updated on the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) on a needed basis. The year 2016 has also witnessed the initiation of

OUTPUT 3: MINE ACTION CONTRIBUTES TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC

USE THROUGH LAND RELEASE

PRE-CLEARANCE

and efficient techniques to release lands through the employment of non-technical surveys (pre-clearance), technical surveys, clearance operations, and quality assurance practices during land clearance, as well as post clearance visits by the community liaison officers (CLO) of LMAC or partner organizations and monitoring of the use of land.

Accurate and comprehensive knowledge of contamination including its socio-economic aspects is known and measured.

non-technical survey (NTS) activities in the blue line areas. These activities included the opening of cut lanes to locate the barrels of the blue Line as well as the collection of new data. This data reveals that 98% of blue Line area is still contaminated. In addition to that, during 2016 non-technical surveys for other Lebanese areas were also updated on a needed basis.

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A NON-TECHNICAL (PRECLEARANCE) SURVEY HAS BEEN INITIATED TO UPDATE DATA ON REMAINING FIELDS.

COST EFFICIENCY:

A non-technical survey (NTS) consists of assessing suspected land and respectively categorizes it as a suspected hazard area (SHA), confirmed hazard area (CHA), or land to be released through cancellation. Stemming from this belief, four NTS teams and four CLOs work around the clock to inspect hazardous areas and survey rapid response areas,

answering to distress calls from frightened citizens. During 2016, NTS was conducted to assess 69 fields (56 tasked and 13 added upon visit) suspected to be contaminated with cluster munitions and mines/ ERW. The result of the NTS which was conducted during 2016 is illustrated in the below table.

In 2016, NTS contributed to considering 529,037 sqm as a cleared area without the need of being cleared. This accurate decision has contributed to the reduction of 53% of the total tasked areas and consequently led to the enhancement of the clearance cost efficiency.

Table 6: NTS led in 2016

NB: the 9 new CBu’s, recorded as activities, were not approved and entered into ImISma during 2016.

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CLEARANCE PRIORITY

PILOT PRACTICES

Any crisis prevention and recovery intervention requires an adequate identification of the major priorities in this context. In prioritizing tasks, LMAC always gives consideration to securing the accessibility to roads, hospitals, and schools and focuses on the areas where developmental projects can be established such as infrastructure projects (water, electricity, sewage, landlines, etc...). As a second priority, LMAC provides safe access to agricultural lands which impacted communities

Following LMAC`s intention to speed up the pace and efficiency of the clearance operations, clearance pilot practices as well as technical surveys are periodically conducted by LMAC. For instance, Explosives Detection Dogs are deployed to optimize the clearance speed and accuracy in the Battle field areas in addition to

the deployment of mine detection dogs in minefields. Moreover, automated auxiliary machinery such as the Orbit screener, has been tested in 2016. best clearance practices and lessons learned were identified, combined, and integrated in the NMAS for better planning and execution of demining operations.

7 CLEARANCE

mostly rely upon for their livelihood. The sooner these priorities are integrally cleared from the threats of mines and ERW, including cluster munitions, the sooner the clearance operations will tackle natural reserves, wild life territories and, other un-exploited territories. LMAC dispatches the clearance teams in accordance to clearance phases and priorities, thus, it strives to respond as rapidly as possible to any call for help or intervention, based on the project priorities.

Contaminated land is released and returned to its owners for socio-economic use

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PILOT PRACTICESLMAC’s operations department takes charge of, among its key responsibilities, the support of demining teams working in Lebanon to effectively identify and remove destroy all mines, ERW including cluster munitions from an identified area to a specified depth as per the NMAS. Such operations are conducted by two national demining

organizations, four international demining organizations, and the Engineering Regiment (ER)/Lebanese Armed Forced (LAF). The below table resumes the current clearance capacity as per number of operating teams, area of released lands, as well as the type of found and destroyed device.

During 2016, clearance operations were supported by five Mechanical Teams (one MAG + 4 LAF), and seven Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) for LAF who are accredited to conduct MCT, depending on needs. These secondary assets are deployed in

order to support the clearance teams and thus increase the efficiency and speed of the clearance process. Moreover, some teams operated as Multi Task Teams (MTT) clearing both mines and cluster munitions as needed.

* In addition to 1,901,767 SQM of lands, a 99,641sqm areas were cleared

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CLUSTER MUNITIONS CLEARED

MINE FIELDS CLEARED

provinceCleared Contaminated Work in Progress total

# of targets Area (m2) # of targets Area (m2) # of targets Area (m2) # of targets Area (m2)

Bekaa 11 341,912 71 2,252,501 - - 82 2,594,413

SouthLebanon 346 14,418,032 223 4,931,390 28 761,351 597 20,110,773

Nabatieh 672 29,565,994 463 8,522,383 26 892,938 1,161 38,981,315

MountLebanon - - 2 43,000 - - 2 43,000

NorthLebanon 8 246,411 29 957,000 - - 37 1,203,411

total 1,037 44,572,349 788 16,706,274 54 1,654,289 1,879 62,932,912

provinceCleared Contaminated Work in Progress total

# of targets Area (m2) # of targets Area (m2) # of targets Area (m2) # of targets Area (m2)

Bekaa 89 6,364,653 34 938,893 5 466,000 128 7,769,546

SouthLebanon 272 2,948,945 211 1,492,107 1 - 484 4,441,052

Nabatieh 615 8,199,929 787 6,655,617 2 63,048 1,404 14,918,594

MountLebanon 112 1,268,917 23 78,368 40 144,000 175 1,491,285

NorthLebanon 68 424,894 - - 1 1,000 69 425,894

total 626 7,088,375 284 4,653,738 48 13,273,302 958 25,015,415

1,782 26,295,713 1,339 13,818,723 97 13,947,350 3,218 54,061,786

Table 12: Cluster Munitions: Area Cleared and items Destroyed by Demining Organizations and ER

Table 11: Cluster Munitions: Clearance

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CLEARANCE ACHIEVEMENTS

The 2016 clearance activities reached 2,001,408 sqm of cluster bombs fields and 549,806 sqm of landmines fields. This achievement represents

….% of the remaining contaminated areas.

type CBu's Dangerous Area Mine Fields total

InitialArea (sqm) 62,932,912 44,545,307 54,061,786 161,540,005

No 1,879 2,430 3,218 7,527

Aggregate ClearedArea (sqm) 44,572,349 29,435,550 26,295,713 100,303,612

No 1,037 2,107 1,782 4,926

Cleared in 2016Area (sqm) 2,001,408 - 658,226 2,659,634

No 76 - 31 107

ContaminatedArea (sqm) 18,360,563 15,109,757 27,766,073 61,236,393

No 842 323 1,436 2,601

Average of Released Land % 71% 66% 49% 62%

Average of Released Land (in 2016) % 3% 0% 1% 2%

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L E b A N O N M I N E A C T I O N

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POST-CLEARANCE

Once cleared and released to its owner, the cleared areas will be assessed by the Community Liaison officers of LMAC or by the CLO of the international and national demining organization, under the supervision of LMAC. The post-clearance survey indicates that 97% of areas cleared in 2016

Abiding by the NMAS regulations, a post-clearance survey is conducted three months after each land’s release date. LMAC along with the CLOs strive to assess the post clearance socio- economic needs of landlords in order to make sure that the released land is re-used by its owners. In case the land is not used, LMAC shall be informed that the reason is not related to land

have been immediately put to use by their relevant landlords in one of the below socio-economic sectors, such as agriculture, housing, grazing land, public use, tourism, or commerce. The below figure shows the segregation of the released lands by the type of the socio-economic sector.

safety or the fear of hazard.

Furthermore, LMAC endeavors to provide assistance and support to the demining organizations to conduct post-clearance surveys of their cleared targets as well as to report on land use.

Finally, LMAC attempts to perpetually refine and update the operations information and integrate it in its IMSMA Database.

Agricultureand

Ranching90%

Housing

5%

Others

5%

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CHALLENGES

LMAC has always strived to secure safe and efficient land release to impacted communities. This long and yet extensive process always relies on three main components: non-technical survey (NTS), technical survey (TS), and subsequent clearance of areas contaminated by landmines and ERW including cluster munitions. The continuous supervision and monitoring activities

However, the discrepancy in the number of

clearance teams between the quarters of the

year, affects the pace of the demining operations.

The deficiency in teams count is affecting the

clearance pace and thus threatens the ability of

Lebanon to meet its national and international

commitments. Therefore, LMAC struggles to

seek national and international financial support

in order to increase and sustain the number of

operating teams afterwards.

conducted by LMAC, along with the fruitful cooperation of the CLO’s and local community, have led to the discovery of new dangerous areas during 2016. This required a rapid intervention and mobilization of the relevant stakeholders in order to overcome the impact of the additional contamination and thus reduce as much as possible its socio-economic impact.

Q1 - 2016

- - BAC - - Mines

Q2 - 2016 Q3 - 2016 Q4 - 2016

23232523

10 9 9 8

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FUTURE STEPSWhereas the clearance operation is a continuous process, LMAC will work on the optimization of the non-technical (pre-clearance) surveys, so they will be completed and their generated results will be accurately and periodically updated on IMSMA. The international demining best practices have shown that the effectiveness of the non-technical and technical surveys will increase the efficiency of the clearance operation, therefore, LMAC will pursue its duty to ensure that these surveys will

Mine action quality management is an essential task taken by the LMAC and is considered to be a precondition to all mine action activities. The QM revolves around two highlighted activities; the quality assurance and the quality control. According to NMAS, the QA focuses on providing confidence that quality requirements will be met, while the QC is a part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements. The QC relates to the inspection the finished product “safe cleared land”. Accreditation is the procedure by which all mine action organizations are formally recognized as competent and able to plan and manage mine action activities (CL, MRE, and MVA)

The analysis of the data mentioned in the table above shows that the percentage of the unacceptable reports is low and the causes of these results can be avoided by the organizations. Moreover, a MoU was signed in 2013 and continued to be renewed between the LMAC and the beirut Research and Innovation Center (bRIC). In order to carry out necessary research that can enhance the monitoring of the organizations staff in the minefields using special Bluetooth cameras during the demining operations.

be conducted for the entire country, including the blue Line, and that their results will be updated on IMSMA. Moreover, LMAC will work on consolidating the data of all post-clearance surveys so that the report of the socio-economic impact of the project will be conducted efficiently during the coming year.

safely, effectively, and efficiently. The quality management incorporates weekly visits by the QA officers to field sites to ensure that all mine action quality requirements are being encountered as per NMAS and the SOP of each organization. During 2016, 1095 monitoring visits were executed, of which 1047 resulted in acceptable reports, 19 improvements required reports, and only 29 unacceptable reports. In addition, all training courses have been visited by the QA officers to check the quality of these types of training according to the approved training program. The training programs should be evaluated and approved by the QA/QC section head.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Acceptable Improvement required unacceptable total % of

unacceptable DCA 267 5 7 279 2.51 %

HI 153 5 4 162 2.47 %

MAG 332 4 14 350 4 %

NPA 176 3 4 183 2.19 %

pOD 115 1 0 116 0 %

LAMiNDA 4 1 0 5 0 %

total 1047 19 29 1095 2.65 %

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OUTPUT 4: COMPLIANCE TO AND PROMOTION OF THE UNIVERSALIZATION OF THE CCM AND OTHER RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS

RESOURCE MOBILIZATIONLebanon continues to exert every possible effort to mobilize funds that would enable it to meet its strategic milestones as well as its local, national, and international obligations regarding mine action. During the year 2016, fundraising efforts implemented by the LMAC and its partners enabled Lebanon to secure a total of 10,457,848 USD for the Lebanon Mine Action Programme (LMAP). The contribution of the Lebanese Government is 9 Million USD. For MVA: the contribution of EU is344,065.8 USD ; the contribution of MLI is 126,000 USD. for MRE: the contribution of Unicef is 151,904.3The contribution of EU is: 70,545 USD.

Table 15: donor’s contribution for the lebanon mine Action Programme during the year 2016

Page%36%of%52!

!

!

Table! 16! illustrates! the! support! provided! by! each! of! the! above! donors! to! local! and!

international!NGOs!operating!in!Lebanon.!!

Table!7:!NGOs!Supported!by!Each!Donor!

13.2.2!COOPERATION!AND!TECHNICAL!ASSISTANCE!!

13.2.2.1! THE!ARAB!REGIONAL!COOPERATION!PROGRAM!FOR!MINE!ACTION!

UNOCHA

Norwegian / HQ

UMCOR

Telethon

LAMINDA

BLOM BANKAFD

MAG

MAG

NPA

WRA

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COOPERATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCETHE ARAB REGIONAL COOPERATION PROGRAM FOR MINE ACTION

The GICHD initiated this program in 2012 to

support the Arab countries affected by landmines

and ERW, increase security for civilian populations,

promote social economic development, and, assist these

countries in meeting national targets and international

obligations for clearance. It also improves knowledge,

allows for the exchange of experiences, and promotes

good practices throughout all programs of the Arab

region.

The GICHD handed-over the management of this

program to LMAC at the beginning of 2016 according

to the MoU signed between the two parties. The LMAC

became responsible for the administration of the ARCP

and has to plan, manage, coordinate, and implement the

ARCP’s activities with support of the GICHD. In 2016, the

LMAC conducted events related to the ARCP as follows:

Between May 31 and June 2, 2016, the ARCP organized

a workshop in Lebanon about Strategic Planning for

mine action programs, participants from Arab countries,

and LMAC officers. The participants were from Egypt,

Libya, Iraq, Palestine, Sudan, and Algeria. This workshop

aimed to enhance the capacities of Arab programs, and

to develop, implement, monitor, evaluate, review, and

update a strategic plan.

• Between October 19 and 20, 2016, the ARCP organized

the fifth annual conference for the national directors

of the Arab programs. This conference was held in

beirut, Lebanon with a high level of participation from

Arab countries including Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan,

Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Algeria, and Mauritania.The

conference aimed to discuss the progress of the ARCP

and the challenges faced, as well as exchange lessons

learnt concerning fundraising and alternative solutions.

• Between December 6 and 8, 2016, the ARCP organized

a workshop about resource mobilization in Lebanon.

This workshop aimed to enable Arab programs to plan,

develop, and conduct effective resource mobilization

procedures that realize the strategic plan of these

national programs. The participants were from Lebanon,

Sudan, Iraq, Mauritania, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan,

Palestine, and Somalia, as well as participants from the

GICHD who supported the organizing and implementing

of the workshop.

In addition to the activities previously mentioned, the

ARCP sent an assessment form to the Arab programs to

collect data regarding their capabilities and their needs

in order to develop a three year strategic plan for the

ARCP. A bilateral visit was conducted to Geneva by the

ARCP Coordinator in April 2016. Moreover, the ARCP

coordinator continued networking in order to create a

pool of experts in mine action on local and regional levels.

CHALLENGES IN 2016:

• Securing the funds for the future activities related to

this program

• Only 11 Arab countries out of 22 participated in the

ARCP activities

• The lack of funds has also affected the recruitment

of fixed term staff within the LMAC to support the

management and the implementation of the ARCP

in order to accomplish all the ARCP activities timely,

efficiently, and effectively.

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International trainings

NTS IN GERMANY

One LMAC officer was supported to attend a non-technical survey (NTS) training course in Germany. The course was held between the

September 13 and 26, 2016, and provided input on new techniques being used in implementing surveys.

IMAS - SPEIZ

One LMAC officer participated in the Information Mine Action Standards (IMAS) training that was held in Spiez, Switzerland between November 7 and 8, 2016. This two-day intensive course provided a rapid review of the content of the IMAS and aimed at providing support for national officers and personnel in the development and review of their respective NMAS.

Advocacy

15TH MEETING OF MSP LAND MINES

between the November 28 and December 2,

2016, the 15th Meeting of States Parties to the

Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling,

Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines

and on their Destruction (Ottawa Convention) took

place in Santiago, Chile.

The meeting was carried out in accordance with

article 11 of the Convention and in agreement

with the Conferences of States Parties in charge

of reviewing the Convention. The event aimed to

provide an inclusive space for reflection open to

all: states parties and non- parties, civil society,

international organizations, private sector, and all

others concerned with establishing a world free of

mines by 2025.

As a State Non-Party, Lebanon was represented

by a senior LMAC officer. This participation provided

Lebanon the opportunity to outline the next steps

to achieve a world free of anti-personnel mines.

THE SIXTH MEETING OF STATES PARTIES (6MSP)

The Sixth Meeting of States Parties (6MSP) to the

Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) took place

from September 5 to 7, 2017 at the Palais des

Nations in Geneva.

The 6MSP marked the first formal meeting of the

Convention after the adoption of the Dubrovnik

Action Plan, a five-year action plan that provides

a roadmap for State Parties to implement and

universalize the Convention.

At the end of the 6MSP, States Parties adopted

a political declaration through which State Parties

(including Lebanon) commit to fully implement

all their individual and collective outstanding

obligations as quickly as possible, with an aim to be

thoroughly implemented before 2030.

A delegation from LMAC, as well as the UNDP Mine

Action Advisor, had the opportunity to represent

the LMAC and expose the progress of Lebanon

in clearing ERW including cluster munitions. This

meeting enabled LMAC to express its need for

national and international support as a means to

meet the CCM commitments.

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INTERNATIONAL VISITS AND MEETINGS

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP (ISG) MEETING

The LMAC, with support from UNDP and EU,

organized and hosted its annual International

Support Group (ISG) Meeting on the December 13,

2016. It witnessed the participation of ambassadors

and representatives of donor countries, as

well as national authorities, non-governmental

organizations working in the demining field in

Lebanon, and members of the MVA and MRE

Steering Committees in Lebanon. It commenced with

a set of speeches delivered by key-note speakers:

Mr. Luca Renda, the UNDP Country Director in

Lebanon, Mr. Alexander Luber, the representative

of EU Delegation, and brigadier General Elie

Nassif, the Director of the LMAC, who presented

the achievements and challenges of the past year.

Following the speeches, a short intervention took

place by a member of the Steering Committee,

a representative of demining organizations, and

a mine victim. Thereafter, a display of a virtual

minefield, a photo exhibition of mines and UXO, as

well as a Salsa dance performance by a mine victim

successfully grabbed the audience’s attention and

compassion. The meeting was concluded with

a dinner where the participants networked and

became acquainted with one another.

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NATIONAL VISITS

ICRC/ZIMBABWE MAC JOINT SUPPORT VISIT TO LMAC

Towards the end of January 2016, a team from the

African International Committee of the Red Cross

(African ICRC) and Zimbabwe Mine Action Center

(Zimbabwe MAC) visited Lebanon on a mission

intended to get an overview of the Lebanon mine

action activities in the humanitarian demining

process, mine risk awareness, and mine victims

assistance, with close attention to LMAC`s strategic

goal of reaching mine free lands by the end of

2021. In addition to that, the team visited different

locations in Lebanon, especially the regional mine

action center (RMAC) in Nabatieh, South Lebanon

and the various minefields in the vicinity where

there are major challenges hindering the progress

of the demining program. This mission included a

visit to the RSHDL in Hammana, Mount Lebanon

where the team was briefed on the progress of the

rehabilitation progress by the organization that is

Lebanon`s and the region`s hub for the provision

of effective humanitarian training.

SUPPORT TO MAG DEMINING ACTIVITIES:

PROJECT FUNDED BY THE JAPANESE EMBASSY

AND SUPPORTED BY LMAC

On January 27, 2016, the LMACs` director

brigadier General Elie Nassif attended an event for

the occasion of signing an agreement between the

Japanese Embassy in Lebanon represented by its

Ambassador and the Mine Advisory Group (MAG) to

financially support the demining groups working to

clear areas in the bekaa region.

NORWEGIAN AMBASSADOR NEEDS` ASSESSMENT VISIT TO LMAC

On February 27, 2016, the LMAC received a diplomatic visit from the ambassador of Norway to Lebanon with a purpose of assessing the pace of the clearance process in the country. Within this context, a visit to different minefields located in Southern Lebanon, particularly the blue Line area, took place as well as an introduction to the different means used in the demining process.

LEBANON ANDTAJIKISTAN MACS EXCHANGE OF EXPERTISE MEETING

In mid-March 2016, the LMAC received an International visit from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe- Tajikistan, the Tajikistan Mine Action Center, and the National Authority for Humanitarian Demining in Tajikistan, in addition to a team from UNMAS. This visit aimed to foster an exchange of experiences between Lebanon and Tajikistan in the field humanitarian demining, and share new ideas and suggestions that might contribute to the progress of clearance activities in both countries. Consequently, the team visited different minefields in South Lebanon, as well as the UNIFIL focal point where they were briefed on the role of peacekeeping forces in facilitating the process of humanitarian demining. At the end of this diplomatic visit, commemorative shields and symbolic gifts were exchanged between the HMA centers of both countries who expressed genuine desire to sustain an outstanding and remarkable cooperation in the fulfillment of demining objectives of both countries.

AFD VISIT TO A MINEFEILD IN JBEIL

On March 9, 2016, a team from Agence Francaise de Developpement visited the LMAC to see the flow of clearance operations and the demining methodologies used by Handicap International to clear a minefield in Jbeil.

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LMAC- MVA SECTION PARTICIPATION IN A CONFERENCE ON ARTIFICIAL LIMBS SERVICES

On May 23, 2016, the LMAC’s head of MVA section

participated in a conference on artificial limbs

services organized by the University of balamand

under the auspices of the Minister of Public Health

Wael Abi Four, under the direct supervision of LMAC,

and in the presence of MVA steering committee. This

workshop intended to set clear national guidelines

to assess the quality of the artificial limbs and manage

its proper provision to the beneficiaries.

FRENCH MILITARY ATTACHÉ VISIT TO RSHDL

International visit of the French military attaché to

RSHDL to Hammana allowed them to examine the

rehabilitation process in the school.

TECHNICAL EXPERIMENT ON DEMINING EQUIPMENT

On September 20, 2016, some of the LMAC officers

attended an experiment on metal wires detector

of type CEIA (Italian made), in the presence of the

International Data Corporations (IDC), the exclusive

distributor of this device, and representatives from

DCA. The event aimed to test the effectiveness of

this detector in mine clearance and the possibility

of adopting it in the future operations.

In the same context, on October 26, 2016, some of

LMAC`s officers attended an experiment on a robot

called “Orbit Screen” used for sifting mines brought

by MAG. This machine proved an effectiveness in

detecting anti-personal tanks.

ITF NEEDS ASSESSMENT VISIT TO LMAC

A team from the International Monetary Fund

(IMF) visited to enhance humanitarian safety to Said

Khatib Casern and benyee Village. The purpose of

this visit was to assess the Lebanon Mine actions

centers’ needs in terms of detection dogs, and to

express their real desire in securing the necessary

funding to improve the humanitarian demining

process in Lebanon.

LMAC HOSTED CCM WORKSHOP

A workshop to support Lebanon during the

conference of the Representatives of the States

Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions

was held on November 17, 2016 together with the

ambassador of Norway in Lebanon, EU program

coordinator, representatives of Netherland and

Norway Ministries of external affairs, representative

of Japanese Embassy, UNDP, GICHD, and other

demining organizations. A speech was delivered by

LMAC clarifying the different means of the demining

process adopted by the LMAC, the methodology

used to land release, and the progress towards

improving the national mine action standards and

managing the overall IMSMA database.

VISITS TO MINEFIELDS

In addition to the aforementioned visits, LMAC

received several diplomatic delegations and

international organizations on a mission to different

minefields in Lebanon. This particularly included the

embassies of Japan and the Netherlands, the EU,

and several UN agencies (UNDP; UNOCHA; UNMAS;

etc.…)

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OUTPUT 5: A SUSTAINABLE CAPACITY TO MANAGE RESIDUAL RISKS IS ESTABLISHED

Lebanon initiated the process to update its NMAS, adding modules that were previously missing. The process to update the NMAS was highly participatory, engaging all mine action stakeholders working in Lebanon. The updated NMAS will be officially released in 2017 in both English and Arabic.

Lebanon Mine Action Program (LMAP) has proved over the past years an outstanding and remarkable success in managing the humanitarian demining programs, emerging as a local incubator of expertise fluent in the Arabic Language, thus elevating the role of Lebanon in undertaking mine action strategies.

Consequently, in 2012, the Government of France (GOF) sent a team of specialized engineers to Lebanon with the mission of assessing the infrastructure of the casern in Hammana, Mount Lebanon to rehabilitate it and re-engineer the premises into a school – the Regional School for Humanitarian Demining in Lebanon (RSHDL) - that could serve the capacity building needs of the region, given that Hammana is considered a strategic area due to its accessibility to different minefields and various Lebanese regions.

Concurrently, a cooperation agreement was envisioned between the two countries for the purpose of setting up the RSHDL. The agreement was two folds and included: (a) the rehabilitation of the infrastructure, to be undertaken by the Government of Lebanon (GOL), and (b) the development of the

pedagogical program, to be undertaken by the GOF. Based on this agreement, a French Officer was dispatched to Lebanon with an advisory role for a period of two years, starting summer 2013, and took office at the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC) which serves as the designated body responsible to execute and coordinate the Lebanon Mine Action Programme (LMAP) on behalf of the Lebanon Mine Action Authority (LMAA). Over the course of two years, France supported the development of the curriculum of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD 1, EOD 2, EOD 3, and EOD 3) in compliance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

Envisioning a world in which all Arabic-speaking mine affected communities are enabled to their fullest potential to achieve freedom from the impact of mines/ERWRSHDL aims to support Middle East and neighboring countries affected by mines/ERW through facilitating the exchange of experiences, training military and civilian attendees, and making research and resources available in the Arabic language in the framework of promoting quality HMA operations in the region.

THE RSHDL

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Even before the school was fully rehabilitated, the year 2016 witnessed remarkable achievement symbolized by a training course that resembled a brilliant start and a promising future in the provision of trainings to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian demining. This training took place at the LAF engineering regiment premises, and hosted a delegation from Libyan Mine Action Center (LibMAC) for a period of approximately eight weeks (March 21, 2016 till May 17, 2016) The course tackled the Explosive Ordnance Disposal level 1 and 2 topics (EOD level 1 and EOD level 2) provided by RSHDL officers at LMAC, and funded

Moreover, in an intention to further enhance the capacity building process, one of RSHDLs` staff participated in EOD IMAS level 3 training held in Denmark and supported by DCA. This training workshop emphasized the importance of following safety standards in the demining process and allowed

by DCA. At the end of this event, a closing ceremony was and speeches were delivered illustrating the proficiency of the schools` officers in handling and providing the workshop materials, with attention given to their exceptional project management and planning competencies.

Furthermore, the success of this event continued after the end of the workshop: LMAC received encouraging feedback from the LibMAC emphasizing the impressive impact of this training in improving the effectiveness of the demining process in their country.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2016

the staff to acquire the essential transferrable skills and competences to positively influence the flow of knowledge in this context.

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Securing funding sources to ensure: effective launching of the school in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and operating supplies.

sustainable provision of funds to maintain a guaranteed functional capacity.

CHALLENGES

FUTURE

beginning with the fundamental and indispensable opportunity for Lebanon to meet its national and international commitments and thus emerge as the regional hub for humanitarian demining activities, RSHDL looks forward to acquire vivid and genuine knowledge that can contribute to the fulfillment of the endless struggle to establish Lebanon and the region as a mine free home for all residents.

OUTLOOK

TOWARDS A NEW LEBANON, A MINE FREE LAND

As long as mine action involves saving peoples` lives by limiting the potential risks of mines, ERW, and cluster munitions, LMAC strives to increase the impact of the intervention and unite the endeavors to lessen the probability of the risks posed by mines through strengthening the synergy among the humanitarian demining efforts.. Therefore, through the provision of effective MRE awareness campaign promoting behavioral change among

the public, LMAC is contributing to minimizing the number of mine victims and increasing the direct response, and therefore the effectiveness, of clearance operations. Similarly, through the execution of several mine victim reintegration programs, LMAC was able to contribute to bringing surgeons on board, proving time and again the persistent commitment to lessen devastating consequences of mines/ERW.

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AOp Arabic Outreach programme

Ap Anti-personnel

At Anti-tank

ARCp Arab Regional Cooperation program

BAC Battle Area Clearance

CCM Convention on Cluster Munitions

CCW Convention on Certain Weapons

CHA Confirmed Hazard Area

CLO Community Liaison Officers

CM Cluster Munitions

CRpD Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities

DCA Danish Church Aid

DGPS Differential Global Positioning System

EAIL Empowerment Association for Independent Living

ER Engineering Regiment

ERW Explosive Remnants of War

EU European Union

GICHD Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining

GIS Geographic Information System

GoL Government of Lebanon

GPS Global Positioning System

HI Handicap International

HMA Humanitarian Mine Action

HQ Head Quarters

ICBL International Campaign to Ban Landmines

IMAS International Mine Action Standards

IMSMA Information Management System for Mine Action

ISG International Support Group

ISO International Organization for Standardization

ItF International Trust Fund - Human Security

LAF Lebanese Armed Forces

LAMiNDA Lebanese Association for Mine and Natural Disaster Action

LibMAC Libyan Mine Action Center (LibMAC)

LMAA Lebanon Mine Action Authority

LMAC Lebanon Mine Action Center

LMAP Lebanon Mine Action Programme

LMRC Landmine Resource Center – Balamand University

LWAH Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped

17 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

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MAG Mine Advisory Group

MCt Mine Clearance teams

MDD Mine Detection Dogs

MINT Mine Action Intelligence tool

MLI Marshall Legacy Institute

MoEHE Ministry of Education and Higher Education

MoPH Ministry of Public Health

MoSA Ministry of Social Affairs

Mou Memorandum of understanding

MRE Mine Risk Education

Mtt Multi-task team

MVA Mine Victim Assistance

NCO Non-Commissioned Officer

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NMAS National Mine Action Standards

NPA Norwegian People’s Aid

NRDC National Rehabilitation and Development Center

NTS Non-Technical Survey

OFID Opec Fund for International Development

OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

pOD peace Generation Organization for Demining

QA Quality Assurance

QC Quality Control

QM Quality Management

RMAC-N Regional Mine Action Center- Nabatieh

RSHDL Regional School for Humanitarian Demining in Lebanon

SHA Suspected Hazard Area

SMS Short Message Service

TS Technical Survey

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

UNICEF United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

UNMAST United Nations Mine Action Services Team

UXO Unexploded Ordnances

WRA Weapon Removal and Abatement

WRF World Rehabilitation Fund

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chukri ghanem casernFayadieh - damascus road - lebanonTel.: 143 956 5 961+Email: info@lebmac.orgwebsite: www.lebmac.org

This Programme is Funded by the European union& Supported by the undP