On August 4, 2020, the Port of Beirut was the site of a massive explosion that killed at least 217 people, wounded more than 6,000, and displaced around 300,000 residents in surrounding areas. In the aftermath of the explosion, the European Union, the United Nations and the World Bank came together to develop a people-centered plan of 18 months to bridge the immediate humanitarian response and the medium-term recovery and reconstruction efforts and put Lebanon on a path of sustainable development.

The Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) is a unique collaborative process that brings together Lebanon’s Government, civil society, the private sector and the international community. It is guided by overarching principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

Objectives 

The 3RF aims to help Lebanon achieve three CENTRAL GOALS in response to the Port of Beirut explosion:

  • FIRST, a people-centered recovery that restores sustainable livelihoods for the affected population; improves social justice for all, including women, the poor and most vulnerable groups; and ensures participatory decision-making.
  • SECOND, the implementation of reforms to support the reconstruction process and help restore people’s trust in State institutions by improving governance and accountability.
  • THIRD, the reconstruction of critical assets, services, and infrastructure that provide equal access for all to quality basic services and enable sustainable economic recovery.

The 3RF distinguishes two types of priorities and related actions :

People-centered recovery which focuses on essential actions, such as policy measures, investments, and human and institutional capabilities, to address urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations and small businesses affected by the
explosion. This first track largely relies on receiving adequate international grants and on progress towards recovery.

Reform and reconstruction which focuses on critical reforms to address governance and recovery challenges in Lebanon as well as investments for the reconstruction of critical assets, services, and infrastructure.

The inclusion of reform priorities recognizes that reconstruction and associated financial support will not be feasible nor sustainable without reforms. These two goals are not sequential: work on reforms should proceed in parallel with people-centered recovery. However, reconstruction should not proceed in the absence of reforms.

Across these two goals, the 3RF is structured around four strategic pillars with relevant objectives and priorities:

In order to move forward efficiently, the 3RF is structured around four strategic pillars:

Each of these pillars identifies a limited set of commitments
related to reforms and policy actions; institutional strengthening; and investments and programs. These commitments are based on detailed assessments in 17 sectors affected by the Beirut port
explosion.

3RF Progress Pillars Flower
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Improving Governance and Accountability

To promote the transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance of Lebanon’s
economic and social resources.

PUBLIC FINANCIAL MAGAMENT & PROCUREMENT
ANTI-CORRUPTION
INTEGRITY & TRANSPARENCY
JUSTICE & HUMAN RIGHTS

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Jobs and Economic Opportunities

To restore economic opportunities and livelihoods in the immediate term and revamp business activity in the short term.

BUSINESS RECOVERY & JOBS
FINANCIAL SECTOR
BUSINESS ENABLING
ENVIRONMENT

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Social Protection, Inclusion and Culture

To promote people’s well-being, dignity and safety.

SOCIAL PROTECTION
SOCIAL COHERSION
INCLUSION & GENDER
CULTURE

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Improving Services and Infrastructure

To restore and strengthen essential services and to rehabilitate basic infrastructure.

PORT
HOUSING
URBAN SERVICES
PUBLIC SERVICES

COLLABORATIVE PROCESS

To promote a different way of working, the 3RF is designed as a collaborative process that brings all actors together and ensures strong coordination between the government – including inter-ministerial coordination – civil society, the private sector as well as development and international partners.

The government takes responsibility for ensuring recovery and reconstruction, in close collaboration with development partners, including the strong engagement of civil society, and through dedicated institutional, financing and monitoring arrangements. The implementation of the 3RF can generate new approaches, lessons and experiences that can be relevant beyond the Port of Beirut explosion.

The development of the 3RF was undertaken in close consultation with civil society organizations that play a significant role in its implementation at different levels:

  • in the Consultative Group entrusted with strategic guidance, policy dialogue and aid coordination;
  • in the Independent Oversight Board responsible for ensuring strong monitoring, transparency, and mutual accountability; and as implementers of the 3RF programs.

A 3RF Technical Team and Secretariat ensures day-to-day follow-up, technical coordination and monitoring of aid effectiveness, progress and oversight arrangements.