Donor: National Democratic Institute (NDI)

Duration: February 01, 2022 – February 28, 2023 

The NDI-supported project on Illicit Enrichment (IE) and Asset Disclosure (AD) was a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in Lebanon’s governance. Implemented by Transparency International - Lebanon (TI-LB), the project sought to strengthen the legal framework around IE and AD, following the adoption of Law No. 189/2020. This law was a major legislative milestone, expanding the definitions and requirements for financial disclosures by public officials.

However, the law also had several limitations, particularly regarding the confidential disclosure of assets and exemptions granted to certain categories of officials. The NDI project aimed to address these issues through coalition-building, knowledge production, and targeted advocacy.

TI-LB mobilized a coalition of civil society organizations under the Open Government Coalition (OGC) to push for the law's effective implementation. This coalition played a crucial role in formulating advocacy strategies, conducting evidence-based research, and raising awareness about the importance of public asset disclosures. Notably, TI-LB produced a comprehensive paper on international benchmarks for IE and AD, which served as a cornerstone for its advocacy efforts. This paper, along with infographics and informative videos, was widely disseminated to educate both the public and policymakers about the law’s strengths and weaknesses.

TI-LB also organized several high-impact activities, including press conferences, info sessions, and webinars. These events provided platforms for discussing the law’s implementation challenges and advocating for necessary amendments to enhance transparency. Despite the political and administrative challenges in Lebanon, the project successfully created momentum for greater transparency and accountability, positioning TI-LB and its coalition partners as leading voices in the fight against corruption.