The recent declaration of a national campaign to provide assistance to Lebanon in the UAE, following the orders of His Highness UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is another reason to believe that the nation has not and will not waver in its commitment towards humanitarianism. The US$100 million assistance package is coming at a very strategic period for Lebanon which is dealing with both internal conflict and external conflict. This also includes the timely provision of 40 tonnes of medical supplies, which presents the leadership of the UAE in assisting its loved ones during difficult times and further strengthens the ties of the two countries. In other words, while any such response naturally has a material component, it is also a reflection of the humanitarian aspirations that the UAE seeks to promote more widely.
This assistance program, in my opinion, goes beyond being merely a show of unity but also showcases the UAE’s lifelong commitment to the practice of humanitarian diplomacy. Whereas other countries are busy dealing with their domestic challenges, the UAE still places a great emphasis on maintaining security in the region and addressing the needs of the vulnerable. One is motivated to see the launching of such a large scale project within a short period of time, considering that most times resources meant for such areas are never delivered on time, especially in conflict or disaster areas. All these commendable efforts are however significantly boosted by collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), which ensures that the right medical assistance is provided to the right populations.
Although this support is very important, it serves to emphasize the larger global obligation. The world cannot simply follow the example set by the UAE and assist Lebanon where the stability of which is a cornerstone for regional peace, in a half-hearted manner. This campaign of relief, exceptional as it is, can only be taken as a beginning of a wider and deeper intervention. In the final analysis, it will not only be enough to provide assistance in case of emergencies in Lebanon, but it will also be important to come up with assistance towards avoiding fragmentation of the country. The UAE has led the way, yet all countries need to play a role in lessening the tensions and preventing any further suffering of the people of Lebanon.
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