U.S. Supports Launch of the 2014 Regional Response Plan to Help Lebanon and Syrian Refugees
December 16, 2013
Today U.S. Ambassador David Hale joined Prime Minister Najib Mikati, United Nations officials, and other members of the diplomatic corps at the launch of the 2014 UN Regional Response Plan for Lebanon. Ambassador Hale recognized the hard work of the Lebanese and international relief organizations for their efforts to help refugees from Syria and to assist Lebanon cope with the high number of people fleeing the war.
The 2014 Regional Response Plan requests $1.7 billion in aid to help Lebanon assist up to 1.65 million Syrians, Palestinians and Lebanese who have fled Syria due to the conflict. Contributions will also provide urgent support to Lebanese communities hosting refugees from Syria to improve public services, such as health care and education, and provide basic infrastructure support.
As the top bilateral donor to the humanitarian response in Lebanon and the region, the United States is committed to continuing its strong support for the refugees and the communities in which they now live. The United States has provided more than $254 million in humanitarian assistance to organizations in Lebanon to deliver food, shelter, and medical care to refugees and Lebanese communities affected by the crisis. In September, Secretary John Kerry announced an additional $30 million to support Lebanese host community needs.
"Today's event comes at a critical time," Ambassador Hale said. "As the Lebanese Government, UN agencies, and NGO partners respond to the winter storm Alexa and manage the recent influx of 20,000 additional Syrian refugees to Arsal."
"These challenges further highlight the urgency of strong international support to the Regional Response Plan," he continued. "The size of the appeal underscores the scope and magnitude of the humanitarian emergency in Lebanon and should serve as a wake-up call to the world as to the gravity of the situation."
With the number of refugees increasing, Lebanon's longer-term development needs must also be considered. The United States commends the Government of Lebanon's efforts, in partnership with the World Bank and the United Nations, in designing a plan that prioritizes Lebanon's needs as it copes with the myriad of immediate and long-term issues.
"It is clear that Lebanon faces great challenges in responding to this regional crisis," Ambassador Hale said. "But Lebanon will not face these challenges alone. The United States and the international community will stand by Lebanon to help meet the short, medium, and long-term needs of the Lebanese people and the refugees that Lebanon hosts."
The 2014 Regional Response Plan requests $1.7 billion in aid to help Lebanon assist up to 1.65 million Syrians, Palestinians and Lebanese who have fled Syria due to the conflict. Contributions will also provide urgent support to Lebanese communities hosting refugees from Syria to improve public services, such as health care and education, and provide basic infrastructure support.
As the top bilateral donor to the humanitarian response in Lebanon and the region, the United States is committed to continuing its strong support for the refugees and the communities in which they now live. The United States has provided more than $254 million in humanitarian assistance to organizations in Lebanon to deliver food, shelter, and medical care to refugees and Lebanese communities affected by the crisis. In September, Secretary John Kerry announced an additional $30 million to support Lebanese host community needs.
"Today's event comes at a critical time," Ambassador Hale said. "As the Lebanese Government, UN agencies, and NGO partners respond to the winter storm Alexa and manage the recent influx of 20,000 additional Syrian refugees to Arsal."
"These challenges further highlight the urgency of strong international support to the Regional Response Plan," he continued. "The size of the appeal underscores the scope and magnitude of the humanitarian emergency in Lebanon and should serve as a wake-up call to the world as to the gravity of the situation."
With the number of refugees increasing, Lebanon's longer-term development needs must also be considered. The United States commends the Government of Lebanon's efforts, in partnership with the World Bank and the United Nations, in designing a plan that prioritizes Lebanon's needs as it copes with the myriad of immediate and long-term issues.
"It is clear that Lebanon faces great challenges in responding to this regional crisis," Ambassador Hale said. "But Lebanon will not face these challenges alone. The United States and the international community will stand by Lebanon to help meet the short, medium, and long-term needs of the Lebanese people and the refugees that Lebanon hosts."
posted by DELTA BLOG at 6:47 PM
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