UN coordinator says protecting vulnerable Lebanese, refugees 'humanitarian imperative'
U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Najat Rochdi stressed Friday the importance of protecting the most vulnerable populations, regardless of their nationality.
"Over the past weeks, public discussions over the return of Syrian refugees to Syria have increased in Lebanon. On behalf of the International Humanitarian Community and in my capacity as Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, I reiterate that the protection of refugees is a humanitarian and moral imperative and lies at the heart of all humanitarian actions," Rochdi said in a statement.
Rochdi recognized "the incredible generosity of the Lebanese people and authorities who have hosted refugees at a time when they have been struggling with their own vulnerabilities, and I would like to express our gratitude for the continued solidarity." She said that the longstanding collaboration of the Lebanese Government in responding to the ongoing impact of the Syria crisis on Lebanon and its people, under the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP), and in supporting the most vulnerable populations affected by the unfolding economic crisis under the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), is "highly appreciated and commended."
"Amid Lebanon’s unprecedented economic meltdown and significant increases in poverty levels and humanitarian needs, the United Nations and its partners remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable populations based on needs regardless of their nationality, disability, religion, gender, sexuality, or place of origin," the U.N. Coordinator added.
The statement went on to say that over the past year, the Humanitarian Community, including the U.N. through the LCRP and ERP, has increased its support to the Lebanese people, families, communities, and public institutions to lessen the impact of the multiple crises and meet the dire needs of the most vulnerable, as part of its primary mission to Leave No One Behind. "These efforts have translated (from 2021 up to May 2022) into the provision of direct humanitarian assistance to over 1.6 million Lebanese, including cash assistance, food, health, education, protection, shelter, and water services; in addition to supporting around 200 Lebanese municipalities in strengthening their basic service provision and reducing resource pressure in high-risk communities. Other resources are also being invested in development and capacity-building in response to the ongoing crisis," Rochdi said.
She added that "the humanitarian community wishes to reiterate and clarify that the protection of the most vulnerable women, men, boys, and girls is of high priority to the U.N. and its partners and that the U.N. is always willing to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Government of Lebanon (GoL)." Rochdi also recalled "the commitment of the GoL to the principle of non-refoulement under international law, and to the principle of ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees."
Rochdi concluded the statement by calling on everyone "to refrain from fueling the media and social media with negative sentiments and hatred, and I count on all to continue to display the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect in these difficult times."
