It is not possible to imagine a war that would displace one fifth of the population, destroying the suburb of Beirut as well as the country’s southern and eastern region, bombing Lebanon’s entire territory, in the absence of a comprehensive approach to relief, aid and shelter, as well as a plan to think of displacement as a national issue, even forming the basis of collective solidarity.
But what is happening today is the opposite, especially in terms of the role of the State and its institutions. From equipping shelters and providing decent housing options to securing everyday basics, establishing communal kitchens and distributing sanitary pads to women, the State’s absence leaves a vacuum to be filled by volunteering groups and individuals. From the first day of the war to date, the State has not moved its necessary resources and capacities in line with the basic needs produced by the war, such as safe evacuation, adequate shelter and support. Nor has it used its powers to take measures that direct the society’s potential and resources to respond to initiatives that seek to shape broad social solidarity and prepare society to withstand aggression. Looking back at the recent past, the State’s evasion from its role is a pattern and not an exception: the aid efforts during the 2006 war and the 2020 explosion of Beirut port were clear illustrations of the common practice.
Today’s solidarity, which is needed and necessary, is essential in supporting the State’s actions and in bridging gaps wherever they exist, but it is not possible that such solidarity takes the role of state.
In both cases, communal solidarity and the State and its institutions must be rooted in approaching the right to the city, in a broader and more comprehensive sense, with both the rooted and emergency needs of communities, individuals – the most disenfranchised in particular- and with the right to land, housing, movement, integrated and inclusive public transport, which provides access to public, shared and even private spaces and resources.
We will address these issues through this dossier: on the one hand, we will address everyone’s right of access to equitable housing and shelter in the event of war, not just by providing a roof; On the other hand, we will explore the universal right to access and use public spaces, mainly based on the creation of spaces that are appropriate for the communities and their needs. We are also looking at equitable rent in the context of the displacement crisis; while we think about vacancy through its social role rather than protecting private property. Finally, we document the grave violations of the rights of the most disenfranchised individuals and communities in order to highlight and address them.