For Free Distribution Not For Sale

January 2012 - no.11

A Helping Hand Brazilian Frigate “UNIAO” joins UNIFIL Maritime Task Force as its flagship Editorial A Helping Hand The cover of this issue depicts UNIFIL’s Nepalese peacekeepers assisting a woman pick olives at her grove in the village of Meiss ej Jebel in a remote part of southern . Scanning through the photographs to make a selection, I was reminded of a story my friend Hassan Siklawi, a long-serving peacekeeper in the Mission, narrated for ‘Al Janoub’ [June 2008] of how UNIFIL troops used to protect and assist farmers harvesting olives during the early years of the mission in the 1980s. “All of this was done by choice, by the peacekeepers, not because they were ordered to, but because they are normal people like anyone else,” he said.

Those were the tumultuous years of conflicts and And so, in defiance of conflicts and adversities, occupation when people required permission from peacekeepers have always gone a step beyond their UNIFIL even to move between villages through UN calling to help their welcoming hosts. In fact back in checkpoints, Siklawi recounted. There is none of 1982, recognising the protection and humanitarian that today as the security environment in the south assistance extended to the people of south Lebanon has strategically changed for the better with the by UNIFIL troops amidst widespread hostilities, the deployment of the Lebanese army together with UN Security Council by its resolution 511 asked that an enhanced UNIFIL presence after 2006. What the peacekeepers continue this endeavour to the has not changed are the humane impulses: the extent possible under the circumstances. It was then mundane needs of the people, the peacekeepers’ that the strong humanitarian disposition of UNIFIL zeal to help out the best they can, and the ever took roots at the core of the mission and has since growing bonds between UNIFIL and the people remained a defining factor in the way peacekeepers of the south. relate to the local population.

This unique relationship built over decades caught Notably, although the Mission now has an annual particular attention of the United Nations Deputy budget of half a million dollars for Quick Impact Secretary-General Asha Rose Migiro on her recent Projects among local communities, in the years until visit to [see lead feature on page 6]. 2006 UNIFIL was not provided any resources for The same spirit is evident in the reflections of Dutch humanitarian assistance. It was left to the ingenuity veterans who returned on a visit here 25 years after and initiative of peacekeepers to find ways and having served with UNIFIL [see page 17]. means to address the most pressing needs of the people. The relationship therefore was never one of The latter represents a characteristic magnetism material ‘give and take’; rather one based on mutual south Lebanon has had for foreigners: from East or respect and genuine feelings of community where West, troops from 36 different countries and civilians the peacekeepers equally benefit from the hospitality from many more serving with UNIFIL, all attest to extended them by the local population and by sharing this same affinity for the south that some (particularly in the rich culture and traditions of south Lebanon. those not exposed to its charm) find baffling. After all, ravaged by years of conflicts, south Lebanon is UNIFIL now invests substantially in a variety of not the most developed part of the country although community projects and services to assist the people economic activities and infrastructure development of south Lebanon. But what truly distinguishes the have picked up visibly in the last five years of relationship is the care and concern that come from unprecedented calm the area has witnessed. being together with the people, and simple personal gestures such as picking olives. So what is it that makes the place so special? It has to be the people – the proverbial friendliness It is this enduring relationship between southerners of southerners that strikes a chord, its resonance and peacekeepers that provides the common strand so enduring that you get drawn back here again through the different stages of UNIFIL’s presence for and again. The bonhomie also brings out the most the last 33 years. noble human traits in peacekeepers. Neeraj Singh Editor-in-Chief Contents

A Helping Hand 3

Chronicle 5

Deputy Secretary-General in south Lebanon 6 | 7

A career break 8

‘Al-Janoub’ Cooking Italian 9 is published by UNIFIL Office of Public Information

Photo Feature 10 | 11 Publisher Editorial Advisor Milos Strugar Hassan Siklawi Editor-in-Chief Design/Graphics Neeraj Singh Zeina Ezzeddine Laughing all the way 12 Senior editors Editorial support Samir F. Ghattas Adib Al Moussa Joumana Sayegh Photographers Ghinwa El Deek Pasqual Gorriz Marcos In blood as in peace Michael F. Ali 13

Buffeted by conflict ... 14 Al-Janoub contact

Tel. +961 1 827 020 Email [email protected] +961 1 926 291 Fax +961 1 827 016 ... Buoyed by peace 15

Except where identified by the copyright symbol ©, articles in Al-Janoub may be reprinted without permission on condition that two copies of the publication containing the reprint are sent to the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Janoub. Time for harvest 16

The logo ‘ ’ is a calligraphic representation of the word Al-Janoub in Arabic Dutch veterans remember 17

Colour correction and printing Child protection awareness 18

Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNIFIL concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city area or of its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the policies or positions of UNIFIL, nor does the citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute endorsement. Chronicle

“Ya Habibi Ya Jnoub” Story reading

In an effort to bridge the gap area and two from Bint Jbeil – the women and weren’t between different cultures while participated in the “Ya Habibi Ya shy in eating more than one promoting local products, an Janoub” exhibition organized ‘Mankoushe’. Scarves, glass, artisan exhibition was held at by UNIFIL Civil Affairs. South wood and fabric handicrafts Rokbatt (South Korean battalion) Korean peacekeepers, as the made by southern children with The children were completely base in Tayr Dibba on 28 October. women noted, enjoyed the special needs drew the interest taken by Fatima Sharafeddine’s Nine women cooperatives from fresh olives, oregano, tomato of soldiers as souvenirs to take stories. The six-year-olds from the south – seven from Tyre juice and jam produced by back home for their loved ones. the Al Mbarrat orphanage Two prefabs to LAF and school in Khiyam as well as the Orthodox school in Two metal prefabricated structures were Marjayoun enjoyed Fatima’s transferred from UNIFIL to the Lebanese Armed readings of her stories in an Forces (LAF) in a ceremony held at UNIFIL’s event organized by UNIFIL’s Headquarters in Naqoura. Civil Affairs. The structures have the unique feature that it can Fatima chose to read the be dismantled, transported and reconstructed in stories “Tambouri’s Shoes”, alternative location. “Grandpa”, “Noura”, and “UNIFIL hopes that these buildings will support “Who Am I” to the children operations of the Lebanese Army in the south,” who were mesmerized by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander the characters in her books. Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas said at the And after a day spent reading ceremony that was attended by LAF Commander stories to the kids, Fatima felt for South Litani Sector, Brigadier-General Sadeq at home as she expressed Tlais, UNIFIL Director of Mission Support Mr. her delight to ‘Al-Janoub’: Girish Sinha as well as several Lebanese and “I am so happy I came, and UNIFIL officers. I am even happier with the children’s interaction with my UN Day stories.” The award-winning book writer insists on the UNIFIL celebrated the 66th anniversary of the freedom of her writing: “I don’t founding of the United Nations at its headquarters necessarily have a message in Naqoura with a ceremonial parade and the to relay in my stories, I just honouring of long-serving staff members. In want the children reading the presence of senior officers of the Lebanese my books to have a good Armed Forces, Lebanese authorities, as well laugh and enjoy their time,” as representatives from various international Fatima said in the interview. organizations, NGOs and UN agencies, UNIFIL Having written more than 50 Force Commander Major-General Alberto books, Fatima a southerner Asarta Cuevas recalled the universal values herself, says she often wakes that underlie the global mission of the United up in the middle of the night Nations and UNIFIL’s role in southern Lebanon with an image in her head in this context. He also presented certificates of that quickly translates into a recognition to eight Lebanese staff members who potential character or event have completed 30 years of service with UNIFIL. for a picture book. Issue 11 Jan 12 touches thedailylivesofpeople here, to UNIFIL troops “are also lookingatworkthat issues related totheirmandate,shesaid, In additiontoaddressing operational General saidinaninterview. benefit from ourwork,”the DeputySecretary- ones whojudgeusandare supposedto with thelocalpopulationbecausetheyare the “UNIFIL isestablishingverygoodrelations help ineducation. inaugurate aproject UNIFIL hasfundedto it apointtostopatpublicschool its peacekeepersare doing, shemade the communityworkMissionand And inconfirmationofherinterest in get themreally toappreciate thework we Deputy Secretary-General in south in Lebanon Deputy Secretary-General peacekeepers havecome here for. out the helps thetasks carrying in builds and mutual effectively trust population, that activities she believes of activities assisting thelocal UNIFIL Shehad specialpraisefor theother to maintainpeaceand stability. efforts UNIFIL’s appreciated Lebanon Rose Migiro, on to avisit southern The General,Deputy Asha Secretary Building trust people with 6 7 here inLebanon”. achieving theobjectivesofourpresence are doingandtoworkwith themtowards peacekeepers havestoodbythepeople, built overmanyyearsofconflictwhenthe the people,arelationship that hasbeen has developedclosehumanbondswith the peacekeepersoperate.TheMission with thelocalpopulationamongwhom attaches great importance torelations On topofitsmandatedtasks,UNIFIL the earlyyears of itsdeploymentin1978 development agency, UNIFILhasfrom Although notahumanitarianor assistance withintheavailable means. protected themandprovided allpossible lit uptohercompliments. UN project onhumanrights,andtheireyes about theirdrawings,whichwere partofa their teachers.Sheaskedthem intently among thechildren chattingwiththemand Moving through theclasses,Ms.Migiro sat her interest intheirartworkandstudies. with studentswhowere impressed by Migiro engagedinalivelyconversation assistance. Aftercuttingtheribbon,Ms. with thePortugueseengineeringunit’s This project wasfollowedthrough education forthelocalcommunity. which helpsprovide improved accessto village’s onlyIntermediatePublicSchool three newclassrooms fortheNaqoura Impact Project fundedbyUNIFILtobuild Secretary-General inauguratedaQuick During thevisittosouth,Deputy historical sites. install waterreservoirs and rehabilitate a villageschool,filterdrinkingwater, includes projects suchas helpingrefit and others.Thelimitedassistance taekwondo, baking,cooking,knitting people incomputer, language,yoga, conduct varioustrainingprograms for assistance tothelocalpopulation, dental, veterinaryandsuchother UNIFIL contingentsprovide free medical, authorities. the localpopulationandsupport some ofthemostpressing needsof projects undertakenbyUNIFIL address Lebanon.Community conflict insouthern in addressing theconsequences of had astrong humanitarian disposition At a small ceremony at the school, the is also trust so that at the end of the day the civilian, were also raised during the visit, Deputy Secretary-General praised the close tasks that are being undertaken by UNIFIL particularly that UNIFIL convoys have relationship between UNIFIL, the authori- can be handed over to the Lebanese Armed been attacked in the past few months by ties, and the community. “I hope that this Forces.” roadside bombings injuring a number of cooperation is deepened in an effort to make The strategic review will “give us an soldiers. a difference in people’s lives,” she said. opportunity also to plan something that will “The security of the military, of the civilian During her one-day visit to southern be sustainable so that when UNIFIL draws capacity for us is of great concern,” she Lebanon on 24 November, Ms. Migiro down, the Lebanese Armed Forces can told ‘Al-Janoub’. UNIFIL is doing all it can to was briefed at Mission Headquarters stand on its own feet, so to speak, and they address these issues, but preventing those in Naqoura about UNIFIL’s operations, can take the overall responsibility for peace incidents remains a challenge, she said. attended a town hall meeting with the and security in the country,” she added. “I know that these incidents are serious, civilian staff members and was hosted by In public speeches during the visit, the but I hope they are isolated, especially as members of the UNIFIL contingent from Deputy Secretary-General highlighted the we work to address not only the technical her native Tanzania. She also attended significance of UNIFIL’s deployment for component of military or security work, but a luncheon organized by the Lebanese peace and security."UNIFIL’s presence aims also community-related work which will Armed Forces (LAF) in the city of Tyre. to help create a window of opportunity for build that confidence and trust that the UN “UNIFIL is doing a great job here, on behalf establishing a permanent ceasefire and is here in the interests of peace, security of the United Nations, but (also) on behalf finding a long-term solution to the conflict,” and development for the Lebanese, and in of humanity in general,” Ms. Migiro told she said. that way to also contribute to the stability ‘Al-Janoub’. Ms. Migiro lauded the progress achieved in of the region,” the Deputy Secretary- General said. She also lauded the cooperation between southern Lebanon, noting the respect for the LAF and UNIFIL, a policy that is at the core cessation of hostilities by the parties and the In a speech to the UNIFIL staff, Ms. Migiro of the peacekeepers’ mission in southern unprecedented stability as well as the “strong said peacekeepers’ resolve will not waver Lebanon, and touched on the strategic peacekeeping partnership” between LAF and in the face of challenges and attacks. She review of UNIFIL requested by the Security UNIFIL to maintain the stability. recalled the sacrifices of UNIFIL, which lost Council in its latest resolution 2004 of 30 “We could never succeed in our mission 293 peacekeepers since its establishment, August 2011. without cooperation from our hosts. Here noting that these tragic losses were the largest in any peacekeeping operation. “The strategic review should enable us to in Lebanon, we benefit from an excellent complete the objective of our presence - partnership ... Let us pledge to do our utmost “The best way to honour their sacrifice that is to finally hand over responsibilities,” together so that this country will find lasting is to carry on their work. That is what Ms. Migiro said. “We are addressing issues peace and prosperity,” Ms. Migiro said. you are doing with great dedication and that relate to building their capacity and Issues relating to the security and professionalism,” she said. we’re creating an environment where there safety of UNIFIL personnel, military and Samir F. Ghattas UNIFIL Public Information A career break

For the 39 young women and men from the Bint Jbeil area, what appeared at first to be a fun activity to kill time soon developed into the chance of a lifetime. Instead of juggling from one unsatisfactory is good,” said a fellow trainee, Ali Fakih, Each Monday and Friday these women job to another, a career in hairdressing now “Our trainer taught us well and although met to learn from Ms. Sabah, as she made awaits them, mostly high school dropouts he points out our weaknesses, he never the rounds, pointing out mistakes, giving in their teens, thanks to training sessions criticizes us.” hints, but most importantly making them funded by UNIFIL and the French contingent believe that they could do it. Mr. Dagher did indeed point out Samer’s that constitutes UNIFIL’s “Force Commander weaknesses as the teenager clipped away. “I never imagined or anticipated these Reserve” (FCR). “We all make mistakes, that’s how we learn women will be such quick learners,” Ms. The male trainees, a dozen of them, met up and develop,” the trainer pointed out. Sabah said of her trainees. “They are so every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday for eager to learn, and maybe to later start Similar was the quest of the 27 female trainees six consecutive weeks, to learn hairdressing their own hair salons,” she added with a under hairdresser Solange Sabah. A 60-hour skills. And if they thought they could take smile. the training lightly, their trainer Mohammad program over a period of six weeks aimed to Nimir Dagher was determined to make “his teach how to wash the hair, trim, cut, color, That is a dream shared by most trainees, kids,” as he likes to call them, professional and brush it in multiple styles. who aim at benefitting the most from the sessions, as Zaynab Ibrahim said: “This hairdressers. The idea came from the appeals by the women training allowed me to have a dream. And themselves to Hassan Jouny, the director of Flitting from one chair to another, commenting today I can hope that someday I will be the Cultural Movement Centre of Bint Jbeil. on their styling with professional tips, he able to open my own salon and make expressed pride about his students. “They requested that we organize a beauty women beautiful and happy.” training session where females, especially “They are really learning the correct technique “Hairdressing started as a hobby for me, widows and single women, could learn a in hair cutting,” he told ‘Al-Janoub’. until I joined this training session, where skill that enables them to make their own Although the smile never leaves his face, one can’t help but take it seriously,” money and become financially secure and Mr. Dagher knows it is still a long way Ibtissam Fadel told , expecting independent,” explained Jouny. ‘Al-Janoub’ before they acquire all there is to learn. to work the first couple of years from her Yet, he assures them of their potential to Thus, five months later and after several home. develop as hairdressers. meetings with UNIFIL’s Civil Affairs office, the “We are very happy to have found such training sessions materialised. The Cultural “Let us pick Samer, our weakest trainee. He a training course with the best standards Movement Centre in the town of Bint Jbeil will perform a haircut right now and you shall in the area and for free, and all that was hosted the sessions while UNIFIL and FCR be the judge,” he said, exuding confidence. possible thanks to UNIFIL,” concluded funded the materiel and equipment such as Zaynab Bazzi, another trainee. And so Samer stepped up to the challenge. chairs and scissors as well as the cost of “Don’t worry about him, you’ll see that he trainers and transportation. Ghinwa El-Deek UNIFIL Public Information

8 9 Issue 11 Jan 12 Cooking Italian ... Lebanese love for Italian food is not surprising, given the two peoples share the Mediterranean and the history. But for southern Leba- non women, cook- ery lessons offered by UNIFIL’s Italian contingent bring an added value to their culinary skills.

It is an opportunity for them to learn the urging him to reveal more tips that will make “I didn’t just come here to participate, but techniques, and the knowhow of traditional all the difference in the taste, thus adding to to really learn,” stated Adibbe Eizzedine, Italian cooking with a modern flair. The their menu a few Italian dishes. while Hannaa Houssayni hoped to learn aim of the training at the Italian army base Raymonda Salloum could not wait to new recipes, “that we can later use in our at the village of Maarakeh is to enhance get home and apply what she learned: “I cooperatives where we are nowadays the pizza, pasta and lasagna’s cooking cooked pizza for my husband the same manufacturing certain food items.” methods used by the women, which in night. He really enjoyed it!” she told the “Not only we will make use of this addition brings the community and the class the next day. knowledge in our cooperatives, where peacekeepers closer together. The women were able to become a pizza is one of the most ordered foods, Baking the authentic Italian way is a “Pizzaiole”, pizza maker, on the first day, but also at home at our family’s dining specialty of Chef Salvatore La Rosa, a whereas the second day included the table,” said Daad Ismael, pointing out that soldier from Sicily also known as “Toto”. preparation of a multi-course meal from the such training sessions with UNIFIL help Fourteen women and youngsters from the traditional Italian recipes. women in their professions. women’s association in Qana attended a As the training sessions came to an two-day cooking class he presented. Chef The course ended with a demonstration end, Zaynab Harb Kashmar, told ‘Al- Toto shared his recipes’ secrets with the of Italian music, singing, lunch and Janoub’ how amazing the experience women and taught them how to mix, knead distribution of certificates along with a jar of Pesto Genovese Sauce for each of the was, especially because she cooks for a and roll the dough. He also introduced traditional restaurant in Beirut. the women to the history, technique, and participants, who left with a hope to add skills to making the perfect Italian pizza, Italian cuisine to a business they plan in “I used to cook the pizza, pasta, and their village of Qana for visitors to a shrine and trained them how to prepare specialty the lasagna randomly. But now I know of the Virgin Mary that will be built there. dishes from his native Sicily. how to cook them the real Italian way,” And that was not enough to cover the she said. Her witty 10-year-old daughter, “Cooking is my passion and I want to women’s passion for Italian cooking, nor the Raha, expressed gratitude to UNIFIL for share it with the southern women” said gracious hosting spirit at the Italian base. the lessons on how to cook, and she Chef La Rosa, praising the women’s A couple of weeks later, the Italians again does in fact cook, and pizza will soon enthusiasm that adds to his energy, “they welcomed 22 Lebanese women from four taste differently from her hands as she love learning, and since obviously they are different cooperatives, to share with them promised. very good cooks, it’s very easy for them to cooking secrets and recipes. UNIFIL’s Civil apply what I’m teaching them”. And the pizza did taste differently, said Affairs Sector West was keen on making the women unanimously, when they, Divided into three teams, those energetic sure that the three-day program will enable along with their tutor and Italian soldiers, women were given the exact measurements these already successful businesswomen shared a Lebanese Italian cooked meal and off they went mixing, kneading, and to evolve in food production, especially at the end of the program. rolling dough before they moved to the those already in the business, each in her sauce under the supervision of the chef, respective cooperative. Ikhlas Khalife UNIFIL Language Assistant 10 11 Issue 11 Jan 12 Photo Feature

UNIFIL's community assistance enhances capabilities of children and school dropouts. Laughing all the way His father had told him long time ago that southerners are good hearted and hospitable people. Only today he realized it.

Prominent Lebanese comedian and actor George Khabaz, who is known for his ability to create laughter in most needed times, took his knowledge to southern Lebanon, spending a day with children from Marjayoun, Halta and Houla, burdened by the stress of conflict. The visit was organized by UNIFIL’s Sector East Civil Affairs office and it comes after a show for children in UNIFIL-funded project for school dropouts in a theater production in Beirut. “I am so happy and proud to have met new people through UNIFIL,” he said in an interview in south Lebanon. “The kids here are amazing; I wouldn’t have expected such interaction.” Organizers of the tour emphasized on Khabaz’s interaction with the people, to give the southerners a chance to talk to the comedian, to screen together favorite clips of his films and hear The day of fun continued, where Mr. tongue while producing voice). However, directly from the artist, to get his autograph Khabaz was surprised at the following event I couldn’t understand a word she said; or even snap a few souvenir pictures. in Houla watching Ghady and Majd, two instead I decided to chant with her A member of Marjayoun Municipality, young students, mimicking him in a live ‘Lililililili’ amongst waves of laughter.” sketch on stage. “I think he was happy to Hassan Abla, commended Mr. Khabaz’s Thanking UNIFIL for the chance of see us imitating him,” said Majd at the end visit since the village was in dire need exploring his own country, Mr. Khabaz of the show, expressing his utter admiration for entertainment and UNIFIL’s constant expressed sorrow for the years during for the actor. Khabaz gave the boys his assistance. “UNIFIL is always assisting which the south was isolated from the blessing and encouraged other talents as us, either in schools or through diverse rest of the country. Only today, he added, well, those who sang, played music, or projects,” Mr. Abla said. “I am so glad we can easily visit the south mimicked his own sketches, transforming Bouncing from one village to another, and since war is over and UNIFIL is restoring an encounter with the artist into an having participated in the children’s talent the peace.” event in Halta, and enjoying the Indian unforgettable carnival. The show in Houla It was a day of laughter for the southern Battalion’s cultural show Mr. Khabaz was was coloured by the cultural show put up children and an expedition for the Lebanese struck by the lively interaction with the by Nepalese peacekeepers who entertained actor who came from the north to mingle children, fans of his work. “We were able the audience with their own folklore. with his own country folks from different to communicate in a very plausible and As the day was wrapping up after another backgrounds and sects. Providing enter- pleasant manner,” he said. The children, event in Marjayoun and a lunch with the tainment to the people of the south in the on the other hand, expressed appreciation Sector East CO, Mr. Khabaz was left form of festivals, youth days, or comedy as for Mr. Khabaz as well as for UNIFIL for with more than just one memory of his assisting on this project. Suha Shreim spoke hours spent in south Lebanon. He said: in the case of Khabaz, are one of the many of how happy and honoured she felt with the “A woman from Halta praised me in the UNIFIL activities. Priorities of course are actor’s presence, while Malak Shreim lauded Lebanese traditional way, known as given to maintaining peace and stability. UNIFIL’s entertainment activities in the town. zalghouta (ululating by fast moving the Yury Kushko UNIFIL Public Information

12 13 Issue 11 Jan 12 In blood as in peace A long-awaited dream of having a blood bank to serve a wide area of southern Lebanon has finally come true.

On 31 October, the city of Tyr in south Lebanon got a well equipped Blood Bank that will serve as a vital lifeline for all those in need of blood transfusion in the wider area. In the works for some time now, the 100,000-dollar project got a fillip recently with donations from UNIFIL, its Italian and South Korean contingents, as well as from private contribution. In fact it is the first facility of the kind south of the Litani river, although two such facilities exist elsewhere in the south and 11 others across the country. The Tyr Blood Bank plans to serve not only the city but also 72 adjacent villages in addition to covering the area of Bint Jbeil near the Blue Line. UNIFIL’s Civil Affairs Office, in partner- ship with the Italian and South Korean contingents of UNIFIL, sponsored the purchase of the required equipment while a Lebanese individual funded the construction. The Blood Bank will help save lives in south Lebanon, said the head of branch in Tyr, Mouzayane Ajami, during the inauguration of the facility. The facility is not only the first of the The Force Commander appreciated the Ms. Ajami expressed gratitude to UNFIL’s kind south of the Litani river, it is also Lebanese Health Minister’s commitment Civil Affairs. “I am not sure this project the first time that national funds were to cover the operational and maintenance would have seen the light without UNIFIL provided by UNIFIL’s Italian and South costs of the Blood Bank, thus ensuring and its contribution to acquiring the Korean contingents to supplement sustainability and local ownership of the medical equipment we needed.” UNIFIL’s Quick Impact Project funding, facility. This appreciation also was highlighted noted Major-General Alberto Asarta UNIFIL has longstanding relationship with by the head of the Lebanese Red Cuevas, the UNIFIL Head of Mission and the local branches of the Red Cross in Cross, Sami Dahdah, who stressed the Force Commander. the south and the cooperation goes back importance of UNIFIL’s contributions “The collaboration between local many years. In the Red Cross office in Tyr, without which such projects would not stakeholders and different UNIFIL people recall that it was the peacekeepers have materialized. components is a testimony to the ever that donated a vehicle and equipped five “UNIFIL has equipped the Blood Bank growing partnership and friendship clinics and the pharmacy in the south. facility with the best technologies available between UNIFIL and the southern Partners in blood as in peace. in cooperation with the Italian and South people,” he added at the ribbon-cutting Korean contingents” Mr. Dahdad said. ceremony. Ghinwa El-Deek UNIFIL Public Information Qlayaa

The town of Qlayaa stretches for three kilometres on a rocky hill about 700 metres above sea level, separated from “Beaufort” (Shaqif) Castle towering atop a cliff to the west by the Litani River and from the town of Khyam on the foothills of Jabal al-Sheikh () on the other side by the “Dardara” stream and the Marjayoun plains. It so closely abuts on the towns of Jdeidet Marjayoun to the north and Burj Al-Muluk to the south that it is hard to figure out the town limits. Its total municipal area is Buffeted by conflict... 32 square kilometres. According to various references, the old monastery of Saint Anne still stand Some 2,400 of Qlayaa’s estimated history of Qlayaa dates back to a little in the town, its roof collapsed by an population of 6,000 reside in the town. over 500 years, when a member of earthquake that struck the area over The rest moved to America and Europe, the Hashem family fled south from the 100 years ago. The town’s church, built with 1,000 making Sweden their home. mountain town of Aqoura in Mount in 1900, is one of the principal historical Remittance from immigrants makes up Lebanon in the country’s centre. A prince sites. On the main square there is a the main source of income for its people. from the Shehab family in the town of statue of a horse-mounted Saint George, Others earn their living from employment granted the man a piece of the town’s patron saint who is celebrated in public services or from growing olives land on a rocky hill and another plot in annually on 23 April with song and and vegetables. the Marjayoun plains so he could earn dance parties as well as prayers and Some 350 students attend Qlayaa’s his living. Family members and Maronite lighting of candles. public intermediate school and two Christians joined him from other parts Qlayaa suffered during the Lebanese private schools. The Municipal Council of and Baalbek in the civil war and a number of residents comprises 15 members. northeast, forming the core of the town’s suffered in the conflicts since. Lebanese original inhabitants. There are no UNIFIL positions in the Army soldiers who hailed from the town, but its people have witnessed the “Qlayaa” is Arabic for a “mini-castle”. town retreated home and dug in, to be arrival of the peacekeepers in 1978 and Various references present two theories on besieged for two years by opposing have fostered good relations with its the origin of the name. One claims that its forces. The area came under Israeli contingents and soldiers, said Wanna. inhabitants dwelled on a big rock carved occupation from 1978 to 2000. by nature in the shape of a castle or that “UNIFIL soldiers are welcome guests. “Since independence in 1943, the town’s the area was a remnant of a Crusaders’ They have carried out many development main income came from the 400 men castle named “Shaqafin”, while the other projects in the town, particularly after serving in the Lebanese Army, in addition theory suggests that the rocky nature and 2006 and there have been marriages to many others who held government its proximity to the massive “Beaufort” between townspeople and members of jobs, particularly in the education sector,” (Shaqif) castle was behind its name. UNIFIL.” said Shafiq Wanna, the Deputy Mayor of The decaying walls of an abandoned Qlayaa. Sultan Sleiman UNIFIL Civil Affairs

14 15 Issue 11 Jan 12 Mayor’s Word

... Buoyed by peace Since the arrival of UNIFIL to the border area in southern Lebanon in the spring of 1978, we - the population of the south in general and Qlayaa townspeople in particular - are enjoying calm and stability, thanks to the international peacekeepers who are ensuring security and peace.

And because no one can live without peace, We, the Qlayaa townspeople, are grateful to We pay tribute to the parents of these we Qlayaa townspeople were waiting eagerly UNIFIL and appreciate its role. We do not martyrs, we appreciate their sacrifice and for the arrival of the international peacekeeping differentiate at all between the Command of devotion, and may God bless them. As forces to put an end to the painful events that UNIFIL and the Command of the Lebanese Qlayaa townspeople, we bow in memory were taking place in our area 33 years ago. Armed Forces (LAF), as we regard both of all UNIFIL’s martyrs, knowing that during Back then, Lebanese official military and commands as one. its 33 years of presence in Lebanon, security forces were unable to protect the We are aware that these multinational troops UNIFIL lost nearly 300 personnel. These citizens due to the presence of armed groups are carrying out the tasks assigned to them martyrs will always live in the hearts and in Lebanon and around it. Consequently, the in a foreign country. Despite the fact that minds of the Qlayaa people. We pray international peacekeeping forces were dis- they do not speak the local language, and every day in every Mass for these martyrs patched to Lebanon upon an official request despite the fact that they are unfamiliar with who lost their lives in the service of from the Government of Lebanon and under the local customs and traditions, the UNIFIL humanity. a United Nations Security Council resolution. peacekeepers are carrying out their tasks In the end, we hope our homeland Since 1978, we have built with UNIFIL soldiers successfully, which raises the level of our Lebanon will regain its former glory as and officers the best possible social relations admiration towards them, noting that they are a land of human rights, freedoms and in an atmosphere of friendship, cooperation serving away from home and families. peace. We also hope that all UNIFIL and respect. We see through this international We appreciate this lofty mission for peace. peacekeepers return to their families presence a hope for permanent peace, not We also appreciate the dedication of these safely and peacefully after the completion to mention that this presence is useful to us peacekeepers. In Qlayaa, we are proud of their mission; this same mission that at the security, economic, developmental and to regard each UNIFIL peacekeeper as a contributes to establishing lasting peace social levels. brother or son. through their much appreciated support At the social level, we have built close We, as Qlayaa townspeople, know very well to the Lebanese Army and security forces. relations, individually and collectively, with the sacrifices of UNIFIL for the sake of our Long live UNIFIL, the international forces, a relationship southern soil. UNIFIL peacekeepers have Long live Lebanon. that is based on mutual trust and deep fallen to give us the peace that we have understanding. dreamed of for generations and generations. Hanna Edmond Daher Mayor of Qlayaa Time for harvest It is the time of year when everyone is called out to the field. Men, women, children - anyone with enough muscle - are called upon to help in the olive harvest. Hundreds of olive trees are ready to be picked, home - have provided expertise, training and “Olives are local products that are so the black olives set aside from the green ones, machinery worth some one million dollars to famous in Lebanon, but harvesting them and then pressed for multiple usages, as olive several areas of southern Lebanon, yet another is not an easy task,” he said. “We place a oil is produced in addition to traditional soap. manifestation of the close bonds between the fabric sheet on the ground under the tree, The work load can always use an extra pair peacekeepers and the local communities. and climb the ladder to pick the olives with a stick.” of hands, thus UNIFIL’s Nepalese soldiers Olives are the primary source of income for offered theirs. many people. In addition to olive oil that is a Corporal Arjun Khanal talks about a few olive Around 30 soldiers from the Nepalese battalion pride of Lebanese cuisine, olives are served trees they have in his village back home in “deployed” to the olive groves to help the pickled, and the wood from dying trees is Nepal: “The Lebanese olive trees don’t look farmers of Mayss el-Jabal in early November. sawed off and saved for heating in winter. the same as ours, but I am very happy I am contributing to this activity, especially because They were “armed’ with only long sticks and The work starts at sunrise. UNIFIL Nepalese it reminds me of my fruit garden in Nepal.” they followed Umm Ali Nasrallah’s instructions. soldiers are beginners when it comes to olive “This is the first time that someone from harvesting. Joint efforts by the Mayss El Jabal Municipality and UNIFIL made this activity possible, and UNIFIL comes to assist us in harvesting olives,” “They do not have olives in their native country the locals are the primary beneficiaries. the middle-aged woman said. “Usually, the so they are learning how to harvest for the first family members join in for the task. But when time,” commented Umm Ali, adding that she Abou Ali, a member in the municipality, we heard of UNIFIL’s desire to help us, we and her family think that UNIFIL’s initiative is considers UNIFIL’s help in the olive fields were very happy and immediately accepted a splendid gesture. as an excellent tribute to the peacekeeping their offer,” she added in an interview. mission. “They have come asking if they can help us, Harvesting olives is seasonal work, but UNIFIL’s as if we are the ones doing them a favour, “UNIFIL not only provides us with a safe assistance to the local population is a year and that is so nice of them,” the woman said. and secure situation with the help of the round commitment. In addition to assisting Lebanese Army but also helps us in our in the actual harvest, UNIFIL contingents - Corporal Narin Karki of the Nepalese contin- field harvesting,” he added. specifically the French, Italians and Spanish gent of UNIFIL was not shy in admitting the who traditionally have olive oil industry back hardship of olive harvesting. Ghinwa El-Deek UNIFIL Public Information

16 17 Issue 11 Jan 12 Dutch veterans remember

More than 25 years have passed since they were last here. Now back in southern Lebanon with their families, the UNIFIL Dutch veterans fondly speak of the memories of time spent as peacekeepers in this land. About a dozen former peacekeepers from then it was a very complex political phase. the Netherlands armed forces who served We didn’t understand most of what used in Lebanon between 1979 and 1985 came to happen,” he said. back for a short visit in October 2011. They In reflection of the past, Mr. Palsele agrees were accompanied by spouses and partners with Mr. Events that the southerners are who wanted to get a visual of the place they the most courageous and are developing heard endless stories about. an amazing sense of maturity while The memories are still fresh for most of them; rejecting the violence that is sometimes they remember what the south looked like, the forced upon them. beautiful landscape, the bumpy roads, where The former peacekeepers spent an entire they hung out, ate and slept and developed day at UNIFIL Headquarters, where they lifelong friendships. were greeted and briefed by former For the veterans, the headquarters of the UN colleagues and current officials of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura peacekeeping force. today is a far cry from what it was three decades ago. At the Naqoura headquarters, the veterans gathered at the Cenotaph to pay tribute Tom Events was among the first to be to fellow peacekeepers who gave their deployed to UNIFIL. “At first there was nothing lives in the service of peace. The former here. I barely recognize the streets and the peacekeepers laid a wreath while their Area of Operation (now),” he told ‘Al-Janoub’. partners took photographs. Mr. Events, like many of his colleagues, “My husband needed to come back, even cannot seem to hide his pride of service in for once, to see what has become of the south Lebanon. place and its people whom he adored and “I always wanted my wife to visit Lebanon and shared food with years ago,” said Plony interact with the people here and witness their Alhrest as she watched her husband so “How friendly the southerners are especially everyday courage,” he paused, as if jogging wrapped up in his memories. to foreigners and UNIFIL soldiers,” she told ‘Al-Janoub’. old memories, then added: “The southerners Amid the photoshoots and the stories told are the real veterans around here, not us.” again and again, Ellis Vanlent agreed with The Dutch veterans came and left, but Peter Palsele noticed the change on every her husband how amazing south Lebanon one among them is staying behind, as his level, not just the landscape. “I was first here really is, and especially Naqoura with its Lebanese wife explained. during the Israeli invasion in 1982, and back beautiful sea and gracious people. Ghinwa El-Deek UNIFIL Public Information Child protection awareness

In August 2006, the Secretary General’s report on the war said that the hostilities have had a “traumatic impact on the civilian population in Lebanon.” The Secretary General said almost one million people have been displaced, about 1,200 are recorded dead and thousands injured, the majority of them women and children.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 One method is to organize a series of the 16 Lebanese UNIFIL staff members (2006) tasked UNIFIL to protect civilians workshops on child rights and child participating in the workshop, who came under imminent threat of physical violence, protection in partnership with Save the from different backgrounds and cultures. Yet without prejudice to the responsibility of Children Sweden. Lebanese national all of the attendees were eager to learn. the Government of Lebanon. The Security staff members working with the military “As a UNIFIL staff member working in a Council also mandated UNIFIL to extend contingents are best positioned to fulfill Peacekeeping Mission in southern Lebanon its assistance to help ensure humanitarian the task and hence to participate in the where more than 10,000 troops are deployed access to civilian populations and the training program. They are the ones amid communities with children, it is an voluntary and safe return of displaced who are always around and stay put as obligation to learn and improve my skills on persons. troops are regularly rotated to their home child rights,” UNIFIL Civil Affairs Officer Sarah countries. The aim of the program is to Al Khoury explains. In that context, a recent training program train Lebanese national staff members on child protection in the event of war or in of UNIFIL on the subject, so they in turn Reflecting on the training, Monita Youssef, post-conflict proved to be an essential eye become trainers of troops from various from the UNIFIL Welfare Office, viewed it as opener for UNIFIL civilian staff members military contingents deployed with UNIFIL. an opportunity “to better know the rights – and a vehicle to sensitize the military of the child according to the human rights personnel of the Force on the subject. “My idea was to introduce the concept of charter and its legal status in Lebanese law.” child protection across the Mission, to all UN With Lebanon’s turbulent past, child protec- staff - from military and international civilians This first training is only the beginning. tion in times of armed conflict has always to local personnel by training them,” Ms. Mainstreaming child protection remains a been a priority. The fact that children could Jovic said. challenge for UNIFIL. There is hope that be victims of violence in times of armed with a better understanding of the rights of conflict in Lebanon is of great concern for The focus of the training is on national staff children through training, the mobilization the United Nations and Svjetlana Jovic, who members since they are the ones who of child advocates in the Mission and in the was appointed as child protection focal maintain the institutional memory within the local community, Lebanon’s children who field structure where battalions are deployed. point for UNIFIL in 2008. Her job is to raise have seen so much in their young lives will They accompany military personnel on their the sensitivity of the Mission to the needs be better protected. daily patrols and can therefore serve as of those girls and boys caught amidst the Samir F. Ghattas UNIFIL Public Information crucial child rights advocates. Acting at the hostilities in this area. forefront of UNIFIL, they are also UNIFIL’s “In a traditional mission, some- main interlocutors with the local communities. times it can be a struggle to The training provides guidance and tools introduce new concepts on how to become a credible protector of peacekeeping such as of children, who face difficulties during child protection,” she says. conflict and in post-conflict situations. A UNIFIL has no mandate key objective of the training is, according for active child protec- to Sanna Johnson, Save the Children tion activities such as Sweden’s Regional Director, “to enable the monitoring of child UNIFIL’s military and civilian components rights violations; how- to better understand why and how children ever, the Mission is react and respond to violence (in times doing its best to build of armed conflict). This, in turn, will help in-house knowledge peacekeepers formulate their response.” and understanding of the role of peace- The eight days of training included briefings keepers in protecting and discussions on the concept of childhood, girls and boys given the international legal standards, national the conflict and post- legislation, the impact of armed conflict on conflict environment children, and existing protection measures. and its effect on Perceptions of the rights of a child vary, as these children. reflected by the heated discussion among

18 19 Issue 11 Jan 12 UNIFIL Radio Program “Salam from the South” A 10-minute episode broadcast every two weeks in Arabic on stations Al-Risala, Sawt El-Mada, Voice of Lebanon and Voice of the People brings voices of the people of south Lebanon and their views on UNIFIL, and at the same time explains the peacekeepers’ activities in the Area of Operation.

“Discover UNIFIL in 60 Seconds” A video rich in action that depicts UNIFIL troops conducting various tasks and in just 1 minute highlights one of those many activities in south Lebanon, such as the Blue Line marking and patrolling. The clip airs on Lebanese stations NBN, New TV and TeleLiban.

UNIFIL on the Web The UNIFIL website (http://unifil.unmissions.org) in both English and Arabic is continuously updated with the latest in news, photos, radio and video about the Mission, its history and past and current activities, along with a whole range of background information, from troop strength and Troop Contributing Countries to related UN documents and Secretary- General’s reports.

You can also follow us on facebook facebook.com/UNIFIL twitter @UNIFILSpokesman YouTube www.youtube.com/UNIFILVIDEOUNIT flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/unifil Keeping vigil at sea UNIFIL MTF patrols the coastline