NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Our reservoirs have nearly been pumped dry by lack of foresight while pollutants threaten to contaminate our drinking water. In order to properly manage our water resources we must measure our snow and rainfall, regulate water usage, and invest in sanitation infrastructure. Our potential hydrocarbon resources must be developed for the benefit of the Lebanese people. Commit to removing political interests from exploration license negotiations and future subcontracting deals and ensure appropriate environmental measures are in place to protect from spills and other damage. Our coastal waters are polluted by runoff, we’re choking on exhaust, and garbage is literally being thrown into our valleys and forests. We need to protect our environment, its beauty and natural wonders. While Rome burns (#181) / Heads in the sand (#182) / Politics and public health (#186) / Non evasive action (#183) / All at sea (#183)

WORKERS’ RIGHTS

Women are integral to our workforce and vital to the health of our economy. We must not relegate their status to that of a second class worker – gaps in compensation, benefits, and workplace responsibilities must be closed. Maternity leave must be expanded and not viewed as an impediment to career advancement – likewise paternity leave should also be a worker’s right. We must also abolish the Kafala system for foreign domestic workers. In the interim, we should apply principles of equal treatment: we must protect against exploitation and abuse by enforcing contracts that limit working hours and grant time off. We must also ensure access to the same social safety nets of health and education to all legal residents of Lebanon.