Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee

The committee of LPDC consists of representatives from several Lebanese ministries presided over by President of LPDC, Dr. Khaldoun El-Charif. The Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister, Ambassador Mohammed Chatah, is also a member of the committee. Moreover, efforts are currently underway to add a representative from the Ministry of Education to the committee. Specifically, the LPDC committee's broad mandate, as per the decree, includes:[1]

• The outstanding socio-economic, legal and security issues related to the Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon, in collaboration with UNRWA
• Developing a policy to address the issue of Palestinian arms outside the camps
• Study the creation of a mechanism that regulates the use of arms inside the Palestinian camps
• Examine the possibility of creating formal relations through re-establishing the PLO representation in Lebanon

The committee meets regularly to discuss the issues outlined in their mandate. Recommendations for administrative and legal reforms and amendments to long-standing procedures and policies are made with the aim of improving the conditions and rights granted to Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon.

Alongside the committee, the LPDC team pursues a distinct mandate. This includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:ref name="ows"/>

• Provide technical support and assistance in the application of government policy and in all efforts and events relating to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon
• Coordination between the various ministries in the application of government policy
• Coordination with UNRWA on a range of issues including some urgent infrastructure projects included in UNRWA's Medium Term plan and Nahr el-Bared crisis affairs
• Dialogue with the various Palestinian groups and civil society
• Coordination with the international and Arab donor countries to raise funds for implementing the new policy
• Raise awareness among both Lebanese and Palestinians, and promote dialogue and understanding
• Maintain contact with Lebanese political parties, religious leaders and civil society to promote government policy
• Participate in relief operations and coordinate the movement of the recovery and reconstruction process of NBC camps
• Liaise with local and international NGOs

With these mandates and the previous events of the past two years, LPDC has played a dynamic and emerging role in all aspects of Palestinian refugee affairs. It is integral in supporting the Government as it turns over a new leaf, actively working to enhance the situation for the benefit of Lebanese and Palestinians alike.