The Head of the United Nations (UN) refugee agency urged on Saturday for continued assistance for vulnerable Syrian refugees and Lebanese citizens.
Lebanon is home to one of the highest refugee populations per capita, and so during his three-day visit to Beirut, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi called on foreign aid to assist Lebanon as it faces “one of its hardest moments.”
“Now more than ever… both to support Lebanese in need and the hundreds of thousands of refugees that they have generously hosted for so many years,” states Grandi.
Approximately two million Syrian refugees are currently residing in Lebanon, according to Lebanese officials. However, only about 830,000 have registered with the UN.
Lebanon is currently under one of its worst economic crises, which stemmed from the country’s economic collapse that began at the end of 2019. As a result, the Lebanese Lira has lost over 90% of its value, and the cost of living and necessities have skyrocketed.
Grandi concluded his visit by stating, “We must stand with Lebanon.”
