Information You Can Use: A Bi-monthly Service for the UN and Civil Society
Volume 2, Issue 4, July-August 2005
NGOs Ponder the Way Toward a More Democratic Existence
9 June 2005
By Nada Bakri
Source: Daily
Star (Lebanon)
Civil society organizations blame their situation on lack of democracy
in Lebanon
BEIRUT: Various civil society networks and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) blamed their lack of democratic theories and practices in their institutions on the lack of democracy in Lebanese society. The assessment came during a conference at the Lebanese Economic and Social Council, organized by the European Union funded Afkar program (Arabic for Ideas), which is run by the office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform.
Administrative Development Minister, Tarek Mitri said there is no democracy without democrats, insisting civil networks should train Lebanese society to become democratic.
Mitri said: "Democracy is not only about political systems and electoral laws but more about organizing society and should not be reduced to politics and especially Lebanese politics."
The official added that in order to implement democratic practices, societies should rely on dialogue. He said: "Democracy means including citizens in the decision making process and allowing them to choose freely without being pressured."
Mitri also pointed to the importance of accordance between Lebanon's
different religious sects, which is at the base of any healthy coexistence.
Addressing the NGOs, he said: "I hope you are a true example of coexistence
and are aware of the important role you play in spreading your example in
the best interest of society."
Ambassador of the EU commission's delegation, Patrick Renauld, said Lebanese civil society networks proved
their capacities to mobilize society but also revealed some serious limitations.
Renauld said: "These organizations suffer from difficulties in coordination, from a failure to adopt a common language, or a national vision and, with the exception of what happened on March 14, are unable to mobilize the youth."
The ambassador added that "the free Lebanon, the Lebanese now claim" cannot be established unless the state, civil society networks and the private sector desire to reinforce and adapt the bases of the democratic system.
Nawaf Kabbara, a political science professor at Balamand University and founder of different civil organizations, said the social culture of Lebanese society prevents the country from adopting democratic practices.
He said: "We live in a society where we tend to follow, believe and trust in one leader. In such a society it is very hard to speak about democracy."
The Afkar Program is organizing four other conferences aimed
at supporting activities related to training in citizens' rights, reconciliation
and dialogue between communities, as well as legal and social support for
vulnerable groups.