Opinion Analysis by Dina Richani, Staff Writer

July 5th, 2020

The so-called "social contract" has long been broken in Lebanon. As the fracture between the citizens and the state widens by the minute, Lebanese people see eye to eye on the deep-rooted corruption that has torn down the country and its economy and made the people hungry. Together with the poverty rate increasing drastically in light of the current economic crises, who can play a role in filling the governance gap and delivering services to the community?

Lebanon has a vigorous civil society with one of the largest number of organisations in the Arab World. The Lebanese Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) cover a wide area of sectors, ranging from women's issues, environmental matters to human rights, good governance and refugee issues. 

What is civil society, and how did it develop locally?

The word "civil society" generally refers to a variety of actors that are separate from the state. It consists of formal and informal structures, community associations, non-governmental organizations, syndicates, cooperatives, faith-based organizations, trade unions, amongst others. Civil society has played a significant role throughout Lebanese history and witnessed a rise during the Chehabi developmental period from 1958-1964. During that time frame, the voluntary organisation came up piloting away from sectarian lines and navigating towards developmental goals. However, during the Civil War in 1975-1990, civil society subjects drifted towards relief efforts.

In the post-conflict era, civil society's focus transitioned from social services to sustainable human development and issues related to governance, human rights and democracy. Today, with the current crises, civil society actors and major non-governmental organisations are refocusing their missions to the provision of basic needs.

A large number of Lebanese occupants are in danger of going hungry because of a preconditioned economic crisis and now the Covid-19's repercussions. At the end of 2019, the World Bank estimated that the number of people living under the poverty line would increase from 30% to 50% before any pandemic related issues were taken into account. To topple that, the devaluation of the Lebanese Lira by around 50% has substantially increased the price of basic necessities. With the absence of a critical plan by the government to combat such hunger, the poverty line is expected to rise drastically. 

What can be done by the people?

Unemployment is widespread right now throughout Lebanon, previously reaching 11.4% by 2019 and gradually increasing with all the current cut down on staff and closure of businesses. Moreover, the youth unemployment rate is around double the aforementioned unemployment rate, estimated to be 23.3% by 2019, and most likely to be more with the ongoing catastrophes. This worthy faction of the population does not have to go unnoticed and underutilised in such unprecedented times. 

Volunteering is an essential pillar of all nations. Right now more than ever, it can be a vital way for governmental skiving. On top of that, volunteerism is a significant contributor to Lebanon's fragile economy and society, but only 3.7% of the population engage in volunteering based on the UN Volunteers 2018 report. While many people go abroad to volunteer in other nations, there is so much that can be done on the ground locally, even in one's neighbourhood. 

"It has to be us".

In communities under strain, local volunteerism is an asset at hands to save the country. It not only contributes to shattering sectors but also gives the volunteer added value skills—volunteerism aids in managing one's stress and gives a sense of purpose and belonging. Most importantly, it provides the youth with the chance to be exposed to work experience and gain knowledge and skills for potential job opportunities. 

 Volunteering is the activity done by the people for the people themselves. It gives way for people to channel their actions to work collectively and cope with current crises. According to the 2030 Agenda, voluntary and people-centred approaches are necessary for community resilience. Volunteerism prepares citizens to cope with risks and create a renewable resource for peace and development.

One of Lebanon's major structural frailties is the lack of citizens' civic engagement as many are demotivated to take part in CSOs. While in a study conducted in 2006 around 38% of the Lebanese population showed trust in religious institutions, only 17% demonstrated confidence in civil society actors, closely showing the detrimental effect of the confessionalist system on society. As many are demonstrating against the government to abolish the confessionalist system and get rid of sectarian lines, people residing in Lebanon should put more trust in the civil society organizations. 

For this to succeed, people should rethink their visions and strengthen trust in civil society stakeholders like non-governmental organisations. In 2019, a new platform was launched known as the Volunteer Circle (TVC) consisting of 140 organisations and more than 2,300 volunteers across Lebanon. As TVC grows, more volunteers are engaging. TVC holds the top 10% of transparent NGOs in the country, reinforcing confidence and trust. It hosts several initiatives to fight the current crises, including a Crisis Action Section which distributes food to the needy or Zarriet Albi to support self-sufficiency through agriculture. Through the platform, interested volunteers and organisations can coordinate and connect to find catered actions to aid in the community. Only throughout volunteering during Covid-19, TVC estimated 2,096,521,250 LL as the economic value of volunteering.

It is highly hoped that in light of the recent development of views on Lebanese politics, civil society will engage in a comprehensive rehabilitative action and take Lebanon from a sectarian to a non-sectarian country. With the worsening conditions threatening more families in Lebanon, people need to pull together through these crises and revive the community spirit. 

"Since the government seems totally detached from this crisis, mutual aid is the new livelihood strategy." [Malak Yacout, Co-Founder of the Volunteer Circle]