“The families I spoke with were on the run and didn’t know what tomorrow would bring after the grueling and dangerous journey to the border. They arrived with few means and needed urgent relief,” UNHCR Mr. Grandi speakVisit Jdeidet Yabous border gate.
The exodus comes as the conflict between Israel and Lebanon escalates, forcing Lebanese refugees to seek safety across the border.
The arrival of refugees in Syria adds complexity to an already tense humanitarian situation. The civil war in Syria that began in 2011 has led to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
country continue to face significant challenges that the United Nations human rights office, OHCHRwarns of falling deeper into a humanitarian crisis that threatens to spiral out of control.
Only a quarter of this year’s humanitarian needs in Syria have been funded, while demand is at its highest level since the start of the conflict: 13 million Syrians face severe food insecurity and more than 650,000 children show signs of stunting due to severe malnutrition.
Dangerous journey amidst destruction
With the main road between the Lebanese and Syrian border posts destroyed by an airstrike, the refugees were forced to walk, along with their children and whatever belongings they could carry.
UNHCR – in collaboration with the Syrian Red Crescent, other UN agencies, including the World Food Program (WFP) and NGOs – are providing immediate assistance at the border, including water, food and blankets. The groups are also supporting newcomers with legal assistance, documentation and advising them on administrative and other procedures.
Call for increased support
Mr. Grandi emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying: “The influx of new people comes at a time when millions of Syrians are living in difficulty and they themselves need humanitarian assistance. We must increase support for newcomers and the vulnerable indigenous communities that host them.”
The High Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to mobilize humanitarian aid and significant resources for early recovery activities, as provided for in Security Council Resolution.
Urgent complaint
Previously in Damascus, Mr. Grandi launched an urgent inter-agency appeal for 324 million USD to support all those fleeing to Syria and their host families for a period of six months.
UNHCR is expanding its humanitarian programs across Syria to address the needs of both newcomer and host communities. The agency is also strengthening its legal aid programs.
