Lebanon

Between 2003 and 2006, the Civil Society Index was implemented in Lebanon by the International Management and Training Institute (IMTI), with the international coordination of CIVICUS.

This implementation led to the publication of an analytical country report, presenting the results of the CSI initiative in the country.

Lebanese Civil Society: A Long History of Achievements Facing Decisive Challenges Ahead of an Uncertain Future

Over that period, IMTI embarked on the CSI assessment in Lebanon through a consultative assessment of the state of civil society that involved a broad range of civil society representatives, citizens, experts and researchers.

The implementation of the CSI in Lebanon was hindered by the unexpected change in the political climate within Lebanon in 2005 and 2006, which started with the assassination of Prime Minister Harriri, withdrawal of the Syrian army and later in 2006, the Israeli war against Lebanon. The CSI findings focused on pre-2005 events and provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of civil society.

The Civil Society diamond for Lebanon is moderate in size with relatively balanced dimensions. The strongest dimension of Lebanese civil society is by far the values dimension, however, certain values remain problematic, particularly CSOs’ internal practice of democracy and transparency. The remaining three dimensions are equally moderate in their development and require substantial efforts by civil society to build on its existing strengths and improve its weaknesses.

CSI Country Reports in Lebanon

From 2008 to 2010, the Civil Society Index is being implemented by the International Management and Training Institute (IMTI).