A/HRC/3/2 page 67 using double shifts when necessary, as their own schools had been completely destroyed. The issue of displacement continued to contribute to the problem, as there were still an unknown number of children, and teachers, living far from their family homes; thus, some schools were more empty than usual, while others were overcrowded and still others were missing teaching staff. The full picture would only be known as the year progressed. 290. The more serious impact would be in relation to the effects of this sudden and major conflict on children and young people, and how they would cope with the trauma and feelings of insecurity. Thus attention was being given to the quality of education in the aftermath of the conflict, the management of classrooms in these circumstances and the psychosocial needs of children and young people.255 The Commission considers it essential to reinforce, notably in schools (art. 29 of the Convention) programmes to prepare children for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, and tolerance. 5. Environment 291. The consequences of the conflict on the environment are too visible to be ignored. Among other things, Lebanon is still struggling with the very damaging effects of the Jiyyeh oil spill on the marine biodiversity of its coast. While it is too soon to be able to establish with a certain degree of clarity the medium- and long-term impact of the spill on the ecosystem, there seems to be a general agreement among specialized scientific circles about the magnitude of the ecological catastrophe. 292. Without attempting to be exhaustive, the Commission finds that the consequences of the oil spill are manifold. For instance, according to a Ministry of Environment survey carried out between 18 July and 3 August, 21 sites were identified as having been polluted. They cover 19.2 km of the Lebanese coastline and an area of 123,520 square metres. On 13 October, the IMO/REMPEC update to the International Assistance Action Plan indicated that there were still more than 7,000 cubic metres (m3) of polluted sediments, around 500 m3 of oil, and almost 600 m3 of sunken oil needing to be cleaned up. The update also stated that significant accumulations of free floating oil were found in the Dalieh Fisherman’s Wharf and its adjacent area in Beirut. Furthermore, in addition to the oil already fixed in sand and pebble beaches, changing weather conditions were revealing oil not observed earlier on. It was estimated that more than 1,000 m3 of oil-contaminated debris was still scattered along the Lebanese coast. The Lebanese Ministry of Environment estimated the costs of cleaning up in a range of US$ 137-205 million.256 293. In sum, the Commission finds that the following effects, identified by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment, may become evident in the medium term: “physical and chemical alteration of natural habitats due to oil incorporated into sediments; physical smothering effect on the marine life; lethal or sub-lethal toxic effects on the marine life; changes in the marine ecosystem resulting from oil effects on key organisms e.g. increased abundance of inter-tidal algae following the death of limpets which normally eat the algae.”257 294. The Commission holds the view that the environmental damage in Lebanon could have a serious adverse effect on public health. The spread of diseases,, a possible increase in respiratory illnesses due to air pollution, water contamination and the potential contamination of crops due to chemical spills, pose a serious threat.