The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) opened its social center in the town of Ersal in the presence of the Governor of Baalbeck-Hermel, Mr. Bachir Khodor, Deputy UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon, Philippe Lazzarini, Mayor of Ersal, Basil Al Houjairi, Col. Melhem Al-Hadshiti, municipal members, mukhtars, and social activists from the region.
Dr. Ramy Lakkis initiated the ceremony by speaking about the organization’s responsibility to contribute to the human being’s dignity, which is the main objective of LOST, stating, “the organization works to achieve this by activating local development and activating the role of marginalized citizens and various social components. We also believe in civil peace and the need to reproduce a cohesive society capable of breaking regional and sectarian barriers, because there can be no development without civil peace”. LOST works to strengthen the role of women and develop their capacities as a key partner in the development process.
In his speech, the mayor of Ersal, Basil Al Houjairi welcomed the attendees, as he thanked LOST for opening the center in town. He then spoke about the problems, the security and economic crises that have hit Ersal in recent times as a result of the Syrian migration, including the threat of terrorism, labor competition, the increase in unemployment and the double consumption of infrastructure. These are already weak, such as electricity, water, and schools due to the presence of a large number of Syrian refugees in excess to the population of the town.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Philippe Lazzarini, stated, “we hope that the refugees will return to their country and until that time, the international community is committed to supporting Lebanon so that it can continue to provide the necessary services”.
Governor Bachir Khodor paid tribute to the people of Ersal who bore the consequences of the Syrian migration without any reaction. He also paid tribute to Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, saying, “we are not against living in dignity and providing a decent life, but we are against breaking the law. If information is available about some of the refugees building on private and public property, we will take the necessary measures to remove the violations”. He also called on the people of Ersal to turn the threat of the presence of a huge number of refugees on their land to an opportunity, as the town will receive many development projects from the CEDR Conference.
