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Against the \u201cgrim background\u201d of the tragic August 4 explosions that destroyed much of central Beirut, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has offered a new multi-agency plan to help the Lebanese people move forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the launch of the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF), prepared jointly by the World Bank, the European Union (EU) and UN, we have a plan,\u201d Xinhua news agency quoted Guterres as saying in a video message on Wednesday to the International Conference in Support of the Lebanese People.<\/p>\n
On August 4, a cache of ammonium nitrate caused a deadly blast at the Port of Beirut, causing devastation in a city already suffering from a growing coronavirus outbreak, political and economic turmoil.<\/p>\n
The blast killed some 200 people, injured thousands of others, left around a quarter of a million homeless, sparked further protests toward the government, and prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his entire cabinet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough this framework \u2013 the 3RF \u2013 we can, together, help the Lebanese people move beyond the emergency phase and onto the path for longer-term recovery and reconstruction,\u201d Guterres said.<\/p>\n
France hosted the video conference designed to finally unlock humanitarian aid, which has reportedly been stalled by the multiple crises afflicting Lebanon.<\/p>\n
The new framework assesses the levels of incoming support against the continuing needs of the population \u2013 with a focus on the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can address the recovery and reconstruction needs of Beirut, particularly of the port, as well as impacted areas and affected communities,\u201d said the top UN official.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a sustainable urban planning approach and quick socio-economic recovery action, we can start to revitalize Beirut as the beating heart of Lebanon.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 3RF includes essential reforms, targeted not only to facilitate recovery and reconstruction but also to address the root causes of the crisis.<\/p>\n
Guterres underscored the importance of mobilizing more support for the urgent needs of the families and businesses impacted by the explosion; the vulnerable and poor; and the marginalised and underserved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must continue, with one voice, to call the leadership of Lebanon to put aside partisan political interests and form a government that adequately protects and responds to the needs of the people,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n