US provides humanitarian assistance to Lebanon
The United States will provide nearly $157 million in new U.S. humanitarian assistance to support populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
"This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them. The assistance will also support those fleeing to neighboring Syria," Blinken said.
"This life-saving assistance from the American people includes nearly $82 million immediately available through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and $75 million through the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance," Blinken added.
Of this total, USAID has already deployed $11.5 million, and working with Congress plans to make another $63.5 million available in the coming weeks, to ensure that "vital humanitarian assistance can continue to reach the most vulnerable communities in need."
This emergency food, shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, protection, water, and sanitation assistance will be "a critical lifeline for those who have endured unimaginable hardships," Blinken said.
The United States provided nearly $386 million over the last year to support vulnerable populations in Lebanon and Syria impacted by the increase in conflict.
This new humanitarian assistance comes at a time of devastating humanitarian crisis for Lebanon, with more than a million people displaced from their homes.
"The United States is committed to helping those most vulnerable in Lebanon and throughout the region. We urge other donors to join us in stepping up to contribute to these new humanitarian needs," Blinken added.
Source: Naharnet
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