renovation

Policy Watch

MP Kassem Hashem proposes an amendment to the Reconstruction Law integrating the inclusion of persons with disabilities:

A positive step in need of follow-up and completion.

Following the Lebanese Union of People with Disabilities’ campaign, MP Kassem Hashem submitted a proposal to amend law No. 22 to integrate the rights of people with disabilities.
Currently, it is crucial to collectively lobby for the approval of this amendment as a first step towards establishing a comprehensive and just reconstruction process, through clear implementation mechanisms and continuous institutional follow-up.

Law Commentary

The Exemptions and Reconstruction Law: Not an Alternative to a Comprehensive National Plan

More than seven months after the ceasefire in Lebanon, on June 30, 2025, the Parliament passed the first law related to reconstruction in response to the Israeli war on Lebanon. Ultimately, the law is a limited step forward, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive national recovery plan for reconstruction.

Field Watch

The State’s Absence or its Presence in Absence: The Case of Basta Buildings Rehabilitation

The residents of Al-Maamoun Street in Basta endured an Israeli crime during its aggression on Lebanon, as devastating aerial raids on October 10 and November 23, 2024, caused significant casualties and widespread destruction. This text presents a rapid field study on the current renovation efforts in Basta by the NGO “Offre Joie”.

Investigation

Housing Challenges in the Post-War Period: What Is Happening?

The recent war exposed Lebanon’s fragile housing sector, creating urgent challenges like soaring rents, lack of temporary housing, and forced displacement of vulnerable groups. Without clear policies and inclusive strategies, reconstruction risks deepening inequalities and undermining the right to secure, dignified housing.

Policy Watch

The website of the Directorate General of Urban Planning: An Incomplete Step Toward Transparency

On January 31, the website of the Directorate General of Urban Planning was launched, with the aim of enhancing transparency and facilitating access to information. While this is seen as a long-awaited move toward transparency and accountability, it is considered incomplete and does not absolve the Directorate of its core responsibilities.

Law Commentary

 The Reconstruction Draft Law repeats the Mistakes of the past:

Reviving destroyed villages can’t happen only through buildings

After a ceasefire was implemented in Lebanon on November 27, the Lebanese government held a special session on December 7 in the southern city of Tyre and approved a draft law for rebuilding homes destroyed by Israeli attacks, as they were before. Regardless of its immediate issues in terms of content, it appears that the proposed law does not address the previous or emerging challenges we are facing and risks repeating the mistakes of past failed reconstruction experiences.

From Dossier Report

The Primary Causes Behind the Increasing number of Collapsed Buildings in Lebanon

In 2023, seismic activity raised concerns about building collapses in Lebanon, initially overlooked until a series of incidents occurred across different regions. These events are part of a broader context where Lebanon faces …

Dossier

Buildings Collapse in Lebanon

It is difficult to be surprised today by the collapse of buildings around the Lebanese territory, being aware of the amount of legal and material factors that have weakened and destabilized their structure, …

Petition

“Zero Eviction”

For the Protection of the Inhabitants of the Neighborhoods Affected by the 4th of August Explosion, and the Guarantee of Their Return

After the explosion of the port, residents of the affected neighborhoods in particular, have been absent from many issues related to their lives and livelihoods. They are absent from the discussion about the …

Legal Memo

After the Port’s Explosion, What Are My Rights As a Tenant in the Damaged Buildings?

Project

How to Protect Residents of the Neighborhoods Affected by the Beirut Port Explosion

In the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, residents of the affected neighborhoods in particular, have been excluded from topics related to their lives. Seeing the result of the …

Publication

How to Protect Residents of the Neighborhoods Affected by the Beirut Port Explosion?

In the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, residents of the affected neighborhoods in particular, have been excluded from topics related to their lives. Seeing the result of the …