Lebanon

Part 2

The United States continues to help Lebanon rebuild as a sovereign and independent country founded on respect for human rights and democratic principles after decades of Syrian occupation and civil conflict. Building on the country's strengths, the U.S. democracy and human rights strategy focuses on supporting the country's sovereignty and stability. The United States works with the government and international allies to support the goals outlined in UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701 and works with a coalition of international partners to support plans for economic, fiscal, and political transparency and reform.

The U.S. government supports efforts to build a more robust civil society through capacity-building programs for the local NGO community. U.S. officials, including the chief of mission, meet with political party members, local civil society and international organizations, and members of parliament to advocate for the needed electoral and political reforms. U.S. programs contribute to the development of an electoral reform process that seeks to grant citizens a voice and bring the country more in line with international electoral standards. The U.S. government bolsters the capacity of more than 800 municipalities in the areas of greater financial management and budget transparency. The United States promotes competence, effectiveness, and transparency in government institutions with citizen oversight and cooperation. U.S. training and capacity development programs support the judiciary branch's efforts to become more independent and efficient.

Part 3

U.S. programs aim to prepare the country for free and fair parliamentary elections in 2009 that reflect the independent will of the people. The embassy formed an Electoral Reform Working Group that brings together U.S. officials with local NGOs and implementing partners to coordinate efforts on electoral reform work. The embassy also coordinates with international donors in working to build government capacity to hold elections in accordance with international electoral standards. The U.S. government publicly advocates for a new electoral law that would be accepted by all parties, help grant legitimacy to the upcoming election, and enhance stability.

The United States supports strengthening the country's sovereignty by bolstering the government's democratic institutions and improving transparency and accountability. U.S. programs help build more effective institutions in order to repel external influence and decrease Hizballah's influence. To strengthen the country's judiciary, the U.S. government provides training and technical support in drafting legislation. U.S.-funded programs aim to improve the country's judicial process, including the appeals system.

The United States works to improve all citizens' ability to participate in decision-making processes. While political events have hampered the U.S. government's ability to work with certain national institutions, the embassy has successfully placed a renewed focus on strengthening municipal governments throughout the country through U.S.-funded programs and grants focusing on increasing transparency. Because the country's constitution provides for a confessional system of government that distributes power among religious communities, the United States funds initiatives designed to support civil society organizations that promote cross-confessional activities. The United States provides support for the efforts of non-extremist Shi'a groups to find a voice in political and social issues. The United States builds on previous work to improve the professionalism of government employees and advocates that employees should be hired based on merit, not confessional ties or personal connections. A U.S. program launched in 2007 also provides training and support to the national police force to enhance professionalism in that institution.

Part 4

The United States also supports programs that seek to improve the plight of trafficking victims and improve labor practices. A U.S. program continues to fund a local NGO to protect trafficking victims. NGO officials interview victims with the support of social workers, as well as screen and refer trafficking cases to the country's judiciary so that abusive employers can be prosecuted. The United States continues its support of the only safe house in Beirut for trafficking victims under governmental protection. U.S. officials encourage labor leaders to engage in dialogue with the private sector and government to promote reforms, and U.S.-funded programs provide labor unions the opportunity to train with American unions on labor organization, labor law, and workers' rights.

Ongoing U.S.-funded programs seek to improve anticorruption efforts, promote freedom of the press, and strengthen NGOs. U.S. officials emphasize the importance of protections for freedoms of speech and press and note the critical role of journalists in advancing democracy and human rights protections. U.S. programs to strengthen press freedom and independence of the media include training for the media and civil society in the role of the press and on the importance of free expression in promoting democracy and human rights. The United States also funds various programs aimed at improving the economic and political status of women.

Other U.S. initiatives and programs promote religious freedom and help improve women's rights and status. To promote religious freedom, which is provided for under the constitution, U.S. officials meet regularly with religious leaders and members of the Council on Religious Understanding. The United States also funds various programs aimed at improving the economic and political status of women.