From September 5^th to 20^th, the team from the Department of External Control for the United Nations (SecexONU) responsible for auditing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) conducted assessments of the mission’s financial and management aspects, focusing on compliance and performance.

Given the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, the audit took place remotely from the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) facilities in Nicosia. This approach was adopted to mitigate security risks and ensure effective communication between auditors and UNIFIL staff within the same region.

Over the 15-day audit period, meetings were held to initiate and conclude the process.  The audit team, led by José Arimathea Valente Neto, included André Geraldo, Neemias Albert, Rafaela Soares, Ricardo Broegaard, and Vitor Forjaz. Representatives from UNIFIL, including senior management, the audit support team, and members from all units, were also present.

 Inspection of a Vessel

Conducting the audit from Cyprus also allowed the inspection of a corvette, a ship used for patrol, escort, and coastal operations, part of the UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force (MTF). The German corvette "Ludwigshafen am Rhein" operates out of Limassol, a Cypriot city approximately 90 kilometers from the capital, Nicosia.

The vessel safeguards the Lebanese coast and prevents unauthorized entry of weapons or materials into the country by sea. Germany, Bangladesh, Greece, Indonesia, and Turkey contribute to this multinational force by providing ships and naval teams. Brazil has also participated in the operation with the frigate União.

The inspection, conducted on September 12, included the presence of Daphne Joblin, a UNIFIL staff member. During the inspection, the audit team evaluated compliance with the "Letter of Assist" (LOA) signed between Germany and the peacekeeping mission, which outlines the operational requirements that the military vessel must meet.

UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon  

Established in 1978, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon aims to restore peace and security in the southern part of the country, monitoring the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and supporting the Lebanese government in reestablishing its authority in the region. Over time, its mandate has been adjusted to include monitoring the ceasefire and mediating between the parties involved in the conflict. Currently, UNIFIL has more than 750 civilian staff and over 9,500 troops from 49 member countries.