Promoting Community Policing in Lebanon
Beirut, March 16, 2023 Within the frame of the EU financed project on Community Policing, FIIAPP, CIVIPOL and Democracy Reporting International (DRI) organized an advocacy conference at the Radisson Blu – Verdun Hotel on Thursday, March 16, to promote the ratification by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities of the unified municipal police regulatory framework adopted by a large number of municipalities and unions of municipalities in Lebanon.
The conference, titled “Advocating for the Adoption of Unified Municipal Police Regulatory Framework”, was attended by governors, Qaim ma Qams, mayors, heads of unions of municipalities, Lieutenant Colonel Rony El Hachem representing the ISf, and representatives of the official security agencies.
The event began with an introductory speech by Mrs. Faten Abou Hassan, the Director General of Local Authorities and Councils of Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, highlighting the importance of adopting the new regulatory framework and emphasized the roles played by the municipal police. Mr. Andrea Battista from the EU Delegation also confirmed, in his opening speech, the EU commitment to support the Reform Process of the Municipal Police.
A discussion panel was also held, featuring Mrs. Faten Abou Hassan, Head of Jezzine Union of Municipalities Mr. Khalil Harfouch, Judge at the court of Accounts Elie Maalouf, Thomas Valetas, Key Expert of the Project Community Policing and UNDP Chief Technical Advisor Nino Karamaoun. The panel discussed the differences between the old and new regulatory frameworks, the importance of adopting the new framework, and the role of the General Directorate of Local Administrations and Councils in liaising between the municipalities and the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities.
The conference aimed to raise awareness and promote the adoption of the unified municipal police regulatory framework among a large number of municipalities and unions of municipalities. It also focused on enhancing the role of municipal police in Lebanon and developing their capacity to become a community police sector in coordination with the Internal Security Forces.
At the end of the event, recommendations were collected and shared with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. The conference was considered a success in promoting the adoption of a unified municipal police regulatory framework and enhancing the role of municipal police in Lebanon.