PAST PROJECT

Supporting the establishment of safety nets against polarisation of Sunni-Shia relations in Lebanon

Roundtable hosted by Dialogue and Mediation Working Group. Roundtable hosted by Dialogue and Mediation Working Group. Image: Berghof Foundation

This project aims to create forums and to establish safety nets which contribute to bridging divides and addressing mutual concerns and fears.

Timeframe: 2017 - 2020


Religious, sectarian and political polarisation has been on the rise in Lebanon lately – also against the background of increasing regional tension. This is reflected on the social level in Lebanon where many Lebanese, especially Sunni and Shia Muslims, feel the effects of this tension. In addition to regional and local politics, media and social media also play a role in aggravating – sometimes even creating – sectarian polarisation as it may serve political, electoral or regional interests. Despite numerous attempts to address the Sunni-Shia rift, few efforts for bridging the gaps and exploring areas of rapprochement seem to have been sustained over time to allow for rebuilding trust and facilitating communication between the two groups.

Although Lebanon is a country with a rich experience in political, inter-community and inter-religious dialogue, there are few active forums for Sunni and Shia representatives in the social, political, religious and (social) media fields for structured informal exchanges to reduce increasing polarisation.

Accordingly, the project “Supporting the Establishment of Safety Nets against Polarisation of Sunni-Shia Relations in Lebanon” aimed to create such forums and to establish safety nets which contribute to bridging divides and addressing mutual concerns and fears. In addition, the project aimed to develop ways to ease tensions between both sides and to support constructive relationship-building.

Background

Partners and funding

Activities

 

Publications from this project:

 

 

Project lead

Sonja Neuweiler
Senior Advisor
s.neuweiler@berghof-foundation.org

Team members

Feras Kheirallah

 


Media contact

You can reach the press team at:
+49 (0) 177 7052758
press@berghof-foundation.org