Financial contribution from the European Union: saving some 38,000 displaced Syrians in Lebanon

Approved today a new financial contribution from the European Union that will allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Program (WFP) to continue to provide vital humanitarian badistance to some part of the world. 358,000 Syrian refugees most vulnerable in Lebanon by April 2020.

Nine years after the Syrian crisis, the Lebanese government estimates that about 1.5 million Syrians have fled into the country. Over the years, the majority of Syrians have exhausted their personal savings, are facing enormous problems to ensure their daily livelihoods and many depend on humanitarian aid to survive.

The additional allocation of 39.3 million euros brings the total EU contribution received since June 2018 to 88.1 million euros for UNHCR and WFP, and maps currently used by 358,000 people to meet their basic needs. Food and shelter. Other basic purchases include health care and education.

For his part, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said that "Syrian refugees in Lebanon are struggling to meet their basic needs, and this program is more necessary than ever because it will allow some of the refugees more vulnerable to preserve their dignity after years of exile ". .

An badessment of recent vulnerabilities of Syrian refugees confirmed that refugees are moving more and more from residential buildings to substandard shelters. In addition, one-third of refugees suffer from moderate or severe food insecurity. Without sustained monthly cash badistance to refugees to meet their basic needs, these numbers will continue to increase. When families have fewer resources to support their basic needs such as food, shelter and health, they must adopt a maximum of coping measures to survive, including begging and debt accumulation. .

"These contributions are a vital support for these refugees to lead a normal life as much as possible," said WFP Executive Director David Bisley. "Continued support from the EU is essential for WFP to help these vulnerable people."

"The money provides refugees with quick, efficient and dignified badistance.Even a small amount of money allows people to choose what they buy according to their preferences," said Christos Stilianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management. Refugees ".

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Program (WFP) have been working in Lebanon since 1962 and 2012, respectively, to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable groups in the country.

UNHCR and WFP also thanked the European Union for its continued support for the essential cash badistance program for vulnerable Syrian refugees in Lebanon.