The European Union donated 30.6 million euros to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
“We greatly value the European Union’s outstanding commitment to preserving the dignity and addressing the needs of Palestine refugees,” said Claudio Cordone, director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon.
The donation comes as part of a larger 43.2 million contribution covering support to Palestinian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. It is to support Palestinian refugees who came from Syria and live in Lebanon, as well as mitigating the negative economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on families by providing cash assistance.
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon often live in cramped conditions that make them more vulnerable to a coronavirus outbreak.
Lebanon is going through the worst economic crisis since the Civil War. The flagging economy has been exacerbated by an alarming surge of coronavirus cases which has forced businesses across the country to shut down.
A record 1,006 cases were recorded last Sunday, further overwhelming the fragile health care system in the country.
Lebanese health officials warn that there may not be enough hospital beds with the continuous rise of infections.
In Lebanon, UNRWA provides education to 36,960 students, financial assistance to 61,672 people and 27 health centers. It also provides additional services in 12 refugee camps that account for 45 percent the Palestinian refugee population. All of these services face potential cutbacks unless more funding is raised.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
