GENEVA, Switzerland, October 25, 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) calls on the international community to work urgently to restore peace in Lebanon and to mobilize more resources to respond to the serious humanitarian crisis.
With more than 2,000 dead and more than 800,000 displaced, the IOM warned participants in the International Conference in Support of the Lebanese People and Sovereignty, which opened in Paris this Thursday, that further deterioration humanitarian conditions would have disastrous consequences for civilians.
“Our message today is loud and clear. It is a message of solidarity with all the people of Lebanon,” said IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. “We need concrete actions to end hostilities, and we need resources and access to provide lifesaving assistance to the hundreds of thousands of civilians gravely affected by the ongoing clashes. »
The crisis affects the Lebanese population as much as refugees and migrants. More than a million people have been displaced or left the country, including Syrians who returned to Syria for safety. All these people are in urgent need of shelter, food, hygiene products, care, protection and psychosocial support.
IOM launched a call for $32.4 million to cover the most urgent needs by December 2024, in particular to provide essential items, equipment for winter, shelter, but also to ensure care, protection, psychosocial support and monitoring travel.
This appeal is part of a broader appeal for $426 million launched by the United Nations on October 1 to meet needs by the end of the year.
Lebanon was already in the grip of a serious political and socio-economic crisis before the current escalation, with more than 3.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
The IOM estimates that 180,000 migrants from nearly 100 countries lived in Lebanon before the crisis, mainly domestic workers. Nearly one in ten migrants have been displaced by the conflict and the majority have been affected, including those who have not been displaced.
Since the start of October, IOM has received more than 1,500 new requests for support from people seeking to return to their countries of origin, bringing the total number of requests to more than 3,000 since the end of September. Additionally, several embassies requested IOM’s assistance in evacuating more than 18,000 of their citizens.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for IOM.
For more information, please contact:
In Beirut: Joelle Mhanna, jmhanna@iom.int
In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int
In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-10-25 10:42:00
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Interview with IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, [Guest Name]
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. The situation in Lebanon is dire, and your organization has voiced urgent concerns. Can you provide an overview of the current humanitarian crisis?
[Guest Name]: Thank you for having me. The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has escalated drastically, with over 2,000 lives lost and around 800,000 people displaced due to ongoing conflicts. The IOM is deeply concerned about the deteriorating conditions and the urgent needs of civilians. We’re calling for immediate action from the international community to restore peace and provide essential aid.
Editor: You mentioned the need for solidarity with the people of Lebanon. What specific actions do you believe the international community should take?
[Guest Name]: We need concrete actions to end hostilities immediately. Additionally, the international community must mobilize resources to ensure that we can provide lifesaving assistance to those affected. This includes access to shelter, food, hygiene products, and psychosocial support.
Editor: The IOM has launched a call for significant funding. Could you elaborate on the financial needs and what the funds will be used for?
[Guest Name]: Yes, we are calling for $32.4 million to address urgent needs by December 2024. This funding will be pivotal in providing essential items, winter equipment, shelter, and care for those in distress. It’s part of a larger $426 million appeal from the United Nations aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
Editor: The situation for refugees and migrants seems particularly precarious. Can you tell us more about how they are being impacted?
[Guest Name]: Absolutely. The crisis affects not just the Lebanese population but also the refugees and migrants living there. We estimate that over a million people, including many Syrians, have been displaced or have sought safety elsewhere. Migrants, many of whom were already vulnerable before the crisis, are experiencing immense hardships, and nearly one in ten have been displaced by the conflict.
Editor: In terms of response, what initiatives have you implemented since the violence escalated?
[Guest Name]: Since early October, we have received over 1,500 new requests for support from people looking to return to their home countries. There is also a significant demand for assistance from embassies to help evacuate around 18,000 citizens. We’re actively coordinating these efforts while continuing to provide essential support on the ground.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, [Guest Name]. This is indeed a critical moment for Lebanon, and we appreciate your work and dedication to alleviating the suffering of its people.
[Guest Name]: Thank you. It is a challenging time, but with collective action, we can bring relief to those in need.
Migrant and refugee communities. Over a million people, including many Syrians, have either been displaced or forced to leave Lebanon for safety. Those who remain face dire conditions and are in urgent need of shelter, food, hygiene products, and psychosocial support. Nearly one in ten migrants have been displaced by the conflict, highlighting the extensive impact of this ongoing crisis.
Editor: What steps is the IOM taking to assist those who wish to return to their home countries?
[Guest Name]: Since early October, we’ve received over 3,000 requests for support from individuals seeking to return to their countries of origin. Our team is working closely with various embassies to assist more than 18,000 citizens who need evacuation. Our focus is not only on helping people return home safely but also on providing them with the necessary support to ensure their well-being during the process.
Editor: With so many challenges ahead, what is your message to the international community and potential donors?
[Guest Name]: My message is clear: this is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate global attention and action. The people of Lebanon need solidarity, resources, and most importantly, access to life-saving assistance. I urge the international community to come together, prioritize this situation, and provide the support necessary to help those who are suffering. We cannot let the humanitarian conditions deteriorate further; it’s imperative that we act now.
Editor: Thank you, [Guest Name], for your insightful comments and for shedding light on this critical issue. We hope to see a swift response from the international community.
[Guest Name]: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference for the people of Lebanon.
