In the wake of the Port of Beirut explosion, the World Bank in cooperation with the United Nations and the European Union conducted a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) to estimate the impact of the explosion on people, physical assets, infrastructure and services. The RDNA used field data, innovative tools and cutting-edge technology to assess damages,   
economic losses and subsequent needs across 16 sectors. It also relied on extensive stakeholder feedback and meetings with concerned government entities, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, professional associations, private sector organizations, think tanks, youth groups, donors and United Nations agencies in order to create an efficient and relevant framework.

The RDNA recommended a framework for Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction (the ‘3Rs’) to build back a better Lebanon based on principles of transparency, inclusion and accountability. The Reform, Recovery, Reconstruction Framework (3RF) was thus created, pursuing two parallel aims:

  • People-centered recovery addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations and small businesses affected by the explosion;
  • Reform and reconstruction focusing on critical reforms, governance and recovery.

Two years after the Beirut Port explosion, people have the right to see the investigation continue unimpeded and for much-needed reforms to be urgently implemented. The 3RF framework is helping address some of the ramifications of the explosion the crisis unfolding in Lebanon, yet much more needs to be done.