On a visit to Lebanon today, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič,
announced €60 million in humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable people in the country,
including Syrian refugees and Lebanese people in need. The Commissioner is visiting the EU-
funded humanitarian projects and met humanitarian partners on the ground as well as
the Lebanese authorities.
The funding comes as Lebanon’s population is facing increasing poverty levels, food
insecurity, and disease outbreaks. An estimated four million people need humanitarian
assistance to meet their basic needs.
The new EU humanitarian package announced today will provide life-saving humanitarian
aid such as food assistance, cash support, education, and health services for those who
need it the most. It will also help prepare for disasters and provide emergency response.
All EU humanitarian assistance is provided based on needs, regardless of status or
nationality. The assistance is delivered via NGOs, UN agencies and international
organizations. The new funding brings EU humanitarian funding for Lebanon since 2011 to
almost €860 million.
QUOTES
Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič, visiting Lebanon this week, said:
“Lebanon is facing multiple crises which are putting more and more people at risk. In
addition, the country hosts some 1.5 million Syrian refugees, the highest number of
refugees per capita in the world. I want to thank Lebanon for its generosity in helping
those fleeing the horrors of war. The European Union will not let the people in need down.
We are continuing to support the most vulnerable refugees and local communities.
However, the roots of the political and economic crises must be addressed as soon as
possible – humanitarian aid is essential for the victims of Lebanon’s multiple crises. Still, it
is not a solution to the underlying challenges.”
Background
Lebanon’s political and economic crisis has resulted in widespread poverty, collapsing
public services, and growing community tensions. A global food and fuel crisis has
exacerbated the already dire situation. Currently around four million people, including 1.5
million displaced Syrians and 2.2 million vulnerable Lebanese, need humanitarian
assistance.
An estimated 80% of the Lebanese live in poverty and 36% live below the extreme poverty
line, 90% of the Syrian refugees cannot cover their basic needs.
Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. Syrian refugee
families in informal settlements and collective shelters tend to live in deplorable,
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substandard conditions. Furthermore, on 6 October 2022, the country declared the first
cholera outbreak since 1993.
The European Union has been providing humanitarian aid in Lebanon since 2011. While
the support primarily focused on the Syrian refugees only, now due to the deteriorating
the situation for the Lebanese population, our support is delivered based on the needs of both Syrians
and Lebanese who need it most.
On 14-15 June 2023, the EU will host the VII Brussels Conference on Supporting the
future of Syria and the Region. It will be paramount to ensure meaningful responses in
Lebanon.
For More Information
EU humanitarian aid in Lebanon
