The Middle East is a conflict-ridden part of the world, which to a large extent is dominated by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Iraq. These conflicts give rise to a risk of war and escalation of conflict in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Jordan.
Many of the countries in the Middle East are characterized by authoritarian regimes and lack of democratic participation. A large proportion of the world’s oil reserves are located here, which indicates that even international conflicts should be regarded as part of the context for our understanding of the lines of conflict in the region.
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is a key partner for Norwegian Church Aid in this region. MECC consists of churches from the four major church families: the Protestant family, the Catholic family, the Orthodox family and the Eastern Orthodox family. Through their affiliated branches, they undertake comprehensive aid and development efforts. Inter-Church Network for Development and Relief in Lebanon and the Department for Services to Palestinian Refugees, with branch offices in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories are among these, and serve as partners for Norwegian Church Aid.
Ecumenical accompaniers
As Norwegian coordinator for the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme (EAPPI), we also send a number of Norwegians to the Western Bank each year to function as ecumenical accompaniers. The accompaniers observe conditions and help protect vulnerable citizens and groups from abuse and violence by being persent. You can read more about our Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme here.
Resolution 1325
Regional efforts are also undertaken with a view to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and for the protection and participation of women in the Middle East. This programme is based on projects in Iraq and in the Palestinian territories, as well as in cooperation and contact with resource organizations in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
Emergency relief
Norwegian Church Aid is also an emergency relief organization, and is engaged in emergency relief during crisis situations in the Middle East. Considerable humanitarian efforts were undertaken during the Israeli-Lebanese war in 2006 and in the Palestinian territory, in addition to relief provided in the aftermath of natural disasters like the earthquake in Bam, Iran, in 2004.