Announcement of security and stability projects in Lebanon

During his trip to Lebanon, Minister Dion announced significant support for enhanced security and stabilization in Lebanon and measures that will help women and girls’ empowerment and reduce the spread of violence, crime and youth extremism in Lebanon.

Canada will support the following initiatives:

Lebanese Armed Forces—Preventing Daesh’s expansion into Lebanon

Contribution: $1 million (2016 to 2017)

Support will be provided through the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program to help the United Kingdom-led multinational efforts to create the Land Border Regiment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This is an ongoing project that received $750,000 in 2015. The project seeks to bring the totality of the Lebanese-Syrian border under Lebanese state control. This additional support will help the LAF reinforce security along Lebanon’s borders to prevent Daesh’s expansion into the country.

Lebanese Armed Forces—Protecting the border with Syria: Provision of mountain gear and winter clothing

Contribution: $4.4 million (2016 to 2017)

This Canadian Armed Forces-led project aims to increase the capacity of the LAF to more effectively fight Daesh along its border with Syria through the provision of mountain-climbing gear and winter clothing. Aligned with our objective to enhance capacity building, this support will increase the LAF’s material capabilities as well as its ability to effectively monitor and observe the mountainous frontier. Support will be provided through the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services. Canadian Armed Forces’ technical experts involved with the Building Partner Capacity efforts under Operation Impact have assisted the LAF in identifying the most appropriate solution to meet their requirements.

Engaging Lebanese and Syrian women in social stability

Contribution: $449,782 (2016 to 2018)

This project, led by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training, aims to reduce tensions between Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities in 10 communities in the Baalbek area of northeastern Lebanon. The project is funded through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. It supports women working on raising public awareness about social stability in their communities by conducting focus groups to identify sources of conflict and develop action plans to tackle them through community projects. The groups will reflect the mixed social makeup that characterizes the Baalbek area. The project will also create opportunities for exchanges and dialogue between Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities and actively promote and publicize the role of women as leaders and peacebuilders in their communities.

Youth Against Extremism in Lebanon—Countering violent extremism

Contribution: $950,000 (2016 to 2018)

This initiative, led by the Stabilization Network, aims to empower Lebanese youth with skills and knowledge to actively contribute to reducing the spread of youth extremism in their communities. Support will be provided through the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program.

Prison Management in Lebanon—Countering violent extremism

Contribution: $1 million (2016 to 2019)

This project will strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese Prison Administration and its staff to tailor and adapt their management, rehabilitation and reintegration approach to high-risk prisoners convicted of terrorism offenses. Support will be provided to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, through the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program.