UNHCR: Humanitarian disaster in Lebanon

"We are furious and deeply affected by the murder of two beloved members of the UNHCR and a member of their families in Lebanon," said UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantu.

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Detail from Beirut, Photo: REUTERS
Detail from Beirut, Photo: REUTERS
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

Lebanon is one of the largest operational areas of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The first office in the country was opened in 1964. Since then, this UN organization has been providing support to the local population, refugees and stateless persons.

From the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and the escalation of the conflict, according to UNHCR data, at least 1540 people, including more than 100 Syrians, have died in Lebanon until the attacks of the last few days. More than 23 people were killed during the first major Israeli airstrike on September 500rd alone.

In an interview with DW, UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantu describes the escalation of the conflict, the lack of protection for the civilian population, as well as internal displacement in Lebanon.

DW: What is the situation after the latest Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon?

Šabija Mantu: The events of the last three days mark the heaviest attacks on Lebanon since 2006. Ivo Frejsen, UNHCR's representative in Lebanon, speaks of a "humanitarian disaster".

The bombing resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties. Two UNHCR associates were also killed. We are outraged and deeply affected by the killing of two beloved members of the UNHCR and one of their families in Lebanon.

The civilian population has the right to protection even during war operations. This right must be ensured. Together with the Secretary General of the UN, Guterres, we call for an immediate de-escalation and demand from all parties to protect civilians, including workers of humanitarian organizations, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

DW: What is UNHCR doing for the civilian population, refugees and internally displaced persons in the country?

We are helping displaced people across the country and working closely with the authorities and humanitarian partners, especially in southern Lebanon. This includes the provision of basic necessities, support for newly displaced persons, cooperation with the Lebanese Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the procurement of trauma kits and medical equipment, increasing the number of hospitals supported by UNHCR to 42, as well as the distribution and deployment of key supplies such as which are mattresses, blankets, cooking sets and other essentials in the south of the country. Financial assistance is also being coordinated.

DW: Is UNHCR helping Lebanon establish new refugee camps in the country or in neighboring Jordan?

That. We complement and support national relief efforts. When it comes to providing shelter, we support the Lebanese government, which has organized temporary collective shelters for the affected population.

DW: Millions of refugees live in Lebanon, most of them from Syria. What happens if not only they, but also a large part of the local population have to flee?

Both Lebanese citizens and refugees, who have been generously welcomed into the country, are suffering because of the attacks. Thousands of Syrians and Lebanese are fleeing the violence in Lebanon and crossing the border with Syria. The refugees, who fled their homes in Lebanon, now face new displacement. This double displacement further increases their vulnerability.

Detail from Beirut
Detail from Beirutphoto: REUTERS

There are also casualties among those fleeing - we know of at least 231 wounded Syrians (223 are known to UNHCR - among them 77 men, 72 women and 82 children). More than 59 Syrians were killed (46 known to UNHCR, among them 26 men, 11 women and 22 children).

DW: How does UNHCR support people fleeing Lebanon to Syria?

UNHCR is present at four border crossings between Lebanon and Syria together with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), providing assistance to those arriving there. UNHCR and SARC deliver water, mattresses, blankets and basic foodstuffs to the border.

At the border crossings, which UNHCR established last year in cooperation with WHO and SARC, new arrivals have a place to rest. They are also provided with information about services available after the move, including 100 UNHCR-funded joint centers across the country.

DW: Does UNHCR provide support for displaced persons inside Israel?

So far, the Israeli government has not asked UNHCR to conduct a needs assessment and/or provide assistance for internally displaced persons. If officially requested, we are of course ready to work with the Israeli government to assess needs and identify specific areas where additional support is needed.

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