Thursday, 11 July 2013
The United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins visited the Ein El-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon (South Lebanon) today accompanied by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for children and armed conflict Mrs. Leila Zerrougui and the Director of UNRWA in Lebanon Mrs. Ann Dismorr, where they witnessed first-hand the living conditions of Palestine refugees and were briefed on the hardship of Palestinian Refugees from Syria (PRS) and UNRWA’s efforts to alleviate their suffering.
During the visit, Mr. Watkins and Mrs. Zerrougui met with PRS in Lebanon residing in collective temporary accommodation. The families talked about the difficult living conditions they face in Lebanon, the high cost of living as well as the trauma of war and displacement. They expressed their wish for an immediate end of violence in Syria and a speedy return to their homes.
Mr. Watkins and Mrs. Zerrougui also met with PRS children enrolled in UNRWA schools, a number of NGO representatives and the Palestinian popular committees.
On the visit, Mr. Watkins and Mrs. Zerrougui learned of the funding shortfall in UNRWA’s relief fund for the PRS. They were also briefed about UNRWA challenges in serving those PRS especially in the field of housing, food, water and infrastructure in the camps as well as health and education. To date the number of PRS in Lebanon has reached over 71.000 individuals.
UNRWA is working to raise the necessary funds to cater for the needs of those refugees. On June 7th, UNRWA appealed for $65 million to cover PRS needs from January – December 2013. Of the $65 million, UNRWA has currently received just over $25 million and has confirmed pledges of an additional $3million.
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