Beirut blast: 3 months later
The families of the victims and those affected are revolting
An anti-government protester holds a national flag in front of Lebanese army soldiers during a protest in Zalka, Lebanon, Oct. 5, 2020 (AP photo by Hussein Malla)
Report by Fouad Kazan
Brief Overview
Although at a smaller scale, demonstrations once again erupted in the capital, calling for justice transparency and the truth. Till today, not one low or high level employee, or political figure has been sacked, revealing the degree of accountability in the country. Laughably, the government during the beginning of the month, mourned the death of a Kuwaiti ruler when it continuously failed to honor those that fell in Beirut, by delivering swift justice. Yet again, our political elite sucked up to our wealthier neighbors hoping to receive some petty cash. As for the matter of those that had fallen, knowing Lebanon’s history and political climate, they may join a long roster of casualties that were forgotten across the ages.
Humanitarian Aid
On the humanitarian front, efforts are continuously underway to counter the impacts of the blast. Recently 35 organizations joined their efforts to continue their intervention in 14 damaged areas, provide support to people within the food safety, health, shelter, protection, and WASH sectors. Similarly, Mercy Corps and eight partners (ACF, ACTED, CARE, DRC, IRC, Al Majmoua, Oxfam, and Save the Children) assessed micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the blast affected areas. The survey consisted of 1,164 business owners across 21 neighborhoods in Beirut. Moreover, the EU Regional Trust Fund, in an attempt to provide cash assistance to 37,000 households, earmarked 10 million USD. Also, the Monaco Red Cross on the initiative of its President, H.S.H. Prince Albert II, will release €100,000 in response to the explosions which have ravaged the Lebanese capital. €50,000 will be allocated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and €50,000 to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Communication and Public Relations Department