A/HRC/3/2 page 64 275. The Commission believes that the impact of the blockade on human life, on the environment and on the Lebanese economy seems to outweigh any military advantage Israel wished to obtain through this action. The Commission finds that the blockade should have been adapted to the situation on the ground, instead of being carried out in a comprehensive and inflexible manner that resulted in great suffering to the civilian population, damage to the environment, and substantial economic loss. III. FINDINGS A. The consequences of the conflict 1. Displacement and displaced persons 276. While the longer-term consequences of displacement are difficult to measure, it is clear that the displacement of nearly one quarter of the country’s population will have lasting social and economic repercussions, both for host communities and for communities of origin. Routine health services, including child immunization, were severely disrupted during the displacement period and, as many IDPs continue to live with relatives and friends, efforts to re-launch these services are complicated. Economic activity was severely disrupted during the conflict and even after due to the continuation of the blockade; at the same time, displaced persons were forced to rely on family and extended social networks for their survival and deplete their savings, placing a strain on both displaced and host families. The presence of unexploded ordnance continues to act as a major impediment to the return of IDPs and refugees, as well as threatening the lives and livelihoods of those who have chosen to return, and will further exacerbate the social and economic impact of displacement.239 277. Other challenges may include problems associated with the breakdown of communities, such as increased violence - in particular gender-based violence; difficulties linked to family reunification and tracing of family members; legal and financial issues related to property, as well as access to compensation and restitution for victims. These problems may be particularly acute for female heads of household and other women, who may be marginalized or isolated from social support networks.240 278. Serious human rights concerns for the medium and longer-term recovery for displaced and returning populations include the urgent need for clearance of all unexploded ordnance; rebuilding of civilian homes and other infrastructure, as well as resolution of property-related legal issues in South Beirut and southern Lebanon;241 restoration of economic activities and infrastructures; and restoring and strengthening health systems in Lebanon, which have been affected by the displacement of medical staff and damage to health facilities.242 Longer-term rehabilitation and recovery also will require the development and implementation of a strategy, through proper consultation with those affected by the displacement, for redressing the social and economic inequalities with regard to the South. 2. Women and elderly 279. The Commissioners learned first hand of the sufferings of women and children and of the elderly in this, as in other conflicts. As the Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights of internally displaced persons has pointed out, women and children represent the

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