Lebanon's Civil Defense Volunteers Protest Proposed Law Affecting Their Status

Rebecca Semaan, a confirmed volunteer in Lebanon's Civil Defense, is among those protesting a proposed law that would impact the roles and responsibilities of volunteers like herself. The Lebanese Parliament is set to discuss a bill aimed at determining the law to be enforced on Civil Defense full-time volunteers, raising concerns among Semaan and her fellow volunteers about the potential consequences of this anticipated, established, novel legislation.

The proposed law would allow 2,100 newly employed Civil Defense volunteers to receive salaries, marking a significant change for an organization that has largely relied on unpaid volunteers. If passed, the law is expected to categorize these 2,100 Civil Defense staff members as public employees, providing them with salaries and some benefits. However, the economic crisis in Lebanon has severely devalued the Lebanese lira, casting uncertainty on the financial impact of this change.

Civil Defense volunteers, including the Mount Lebanon regional director, have expressed their commitment to serving their community during emergencies, despite working without pay for years. Many are hopeful that the new law will provide them with much-needed financial support, recognizing the sacrifices they have made in the line of duty.

Why this matters: The proposed law has the potential to significantly impact the lives of Lebanon's Civil Defense volunteers, who have been working tirelessly to protect their communities without compensation. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for how volunteers are treated and supported in Lebanon, especially during times of economic hardship.

The Lebanese Parliament recently extended the mandate of municipal and 'mukhtar' councils until May 31, 2025, for the third consecutive year, amidst opposition calls for holding elections. The Parliament session, attended by 72 MPs, also approved the tenure of Civil Defense volunteers. While the 'Moumanaa' axis, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, supported the extension citing ongoing clashes in southern Lebanon, the opposition insisted on holding the elections, arguing that they can no longer be postponed, particularly since more than a hundred councils have already resigned.

As the debate surrounding the proposed law continues, Civil Defense volunteers like Rebecca Semaan remain steadfast in their commitment to serving their country. "We have been working without pay for years, but our dedication to helping our community during emergencies has never wavered," Semaan stated. The outcome of this legislation will undoubtedly shape the future of Lebanon's Civil Defense and the lives of the volunteers who form its backbone.

Key Takeaways

• Proposed law to provide salaries for 2,100 Civil Defense volunteers in Lebanon.
• Volunteers express commitment to serving communities despite years of unpaid work.
• Law could set precedent for volunteer treatment, especially during economic crises.
• Parliament extends mandate of municipal councils, approves tenure of Civil Defense volunteers.
• Outcome of proposed law will shape future of Lebanon's Civil Defense and its volunteers.