The EARREL project was designed in response to the urgent need for transparency and accountability in Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction efforts following the Beirut port explosion. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by Transparency International – Lebanon (TI-LB), the project aimed to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations and state actors to monitor aid distribution and implement governance reforms effectively.

One of the key successes of EARREL was the development of the EARREL Tracker, a tool specifically designed to monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid. This tracker, informed by data collected from those directly affected by the explosion, provided a transparent and accountable mechanism for tracking aid distribution. The project also placed a strong emphasis on empowering investigative journalists, recognizing their crucial role in uncovering corruption and ensuring transparency. TI-LB conducted workshops in collaboration with Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), equipping journalists with the skills needed to monitor and report on transparency issues related to aid. These workshops led to the production of 3 investigative reports that shed light on corruption in aid management and recovery.

In addition to its focus on journalism, EARREL also conducted a comprehensive advocacy campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of transparency and whistleblower protection in reconstruction efforts. This campaign included panel discussions, social media outreach, and the production of position papers, all of which played a pivotal role in promoting a culture of transparency. The project culminated in a regional forum held on International Anti-Corruption Day, which provided a platform for dialogue among civil society organizations, media, and international organizations.

Furthermore, despite the challenging political environment, TI-LB was able to conduct training sessions for public officials on critical governance laws, including the Right to Access Information and Whistleblower Protection Law. These sessions significantly strengthened the capacity of state actors to implement and advance accountability reforms. Overall, the EARREL project made substantial contributions to improving transparency and accountability in Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, laying a strong foundation for future anti-corruption initiatives.