The Spanish 'Duque de Ahumada' Programme Trains Lebanese Children and Youth People in Road Safety Education

 The ‘Guardia Civil’ contingent in BRILIB XLII is running educational sessions in schools in southern Lebanon to raise awareness about the importance of traffic safety and civic behaviour.

The Spanish contingent in Lebanon, part of the UNIFIL Lebanon Brigade XLII, has developed a road safety training programme aimed at minors and young people in the southern part of the country. In this way, it strengthens the commitment to the wellbeing of local communities and the prevention of risks on public roads.

This initiative has been implemented in various educational centres, including the Hasbaya Centre in Suq al Qhan, the Public School in Mari, and the Saint George College in Kleeya. All of these are located near Marjayoun, where the Spanish brigade has been based since 2006.

The programme is led by the Traffic Unit of the Military Police in BRILIB, and aims to contribute to the education of minors in essential aspects of ensuring safe road circulation. Through workshops, talks, and educational activities, the ‘Guardia Civil’ soldiers have conveyed fundamental knowledge about traffic regulation, respect for road rules, and the proper use of safety equipment.

In southern Lebanon, the ‘Duque de Ahumada’ programme has already become a prominent educational project of the ‘Guardia Civil’ unit, having proven its effectiveness in promoting responsible habits and road safety training. It has established itself as a key reference in supporting the civilian population in the south of Lebanon.

Given the current situation in the area where UNIFIL operates, the importance of social cooperation programmes goes beyond education, as they have become a key element for stability and peaceful coexistence in the region. Road safety education not only protects young people in their daily lives, but also fosters a generational shift in the perception of traffic and mobility, promoting mutual respect and collective responsibility in public spaces.

Spain in UNIFIL

The Spanish Armed Forces deployed to Lebanon in September 2006. The main body of the contingent in Operation ‘Libre Hidalgo’ is based at the 'Miguel de Cervantes' base, near the town of Marjayoun, where the Headquarters of the Eastern Sector, led by Spain, is located. Spanish troops are also present at the Mission Headquarters in Naqoura. 

Currently, more than 650 Spanish military personnel are deployed in UNIFIL, with the aim of ensuring the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, in a region with a highly unstable security situation, despite the peace agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon last November.