UNITED NATIONS SEEKS $8.6 MILLION FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN LEBANON
Press Release
IHA/594
UNITED NATIONS SEEKS $8.6 MILLION FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN LEBANON
19960419 NEW YORK, 19 April (Department of Humanitarian Affairs) -- In response to a request from the Government of Lebanon, the United Nations is today launching a United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Flash Appeal for Internally Displaced Persons as a result of the emergency in Lebanon. The Appeal calls for $8.6 million for emergency relief and humanitarian assistance for some 20,000 families in dire need. This figure represents a total of some 120,000 persons, who are directly affected by the outbreak of violence in south Lebanon and southern Bekaa on 11 April. This new violence has given rise to massive population displacements that affect various areas of the country, including greater Beirut and its southern suburbs.This Flash Appeal, which covers a three-month period from today through July, will address the immediate emergency needs of the affected population. Funds will be used to provide food ($3.3 million), medical needs ($2.3 million), shelter supplies ($2.3 million), water tanks ($500,000) and other necessities estimated at some $800,000.
The specific needs which fall under the sectors mentioned above were identified by the United Nations Humanitarian Team in Lebanon, comprised of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) and endorsed by the Government of Lebanon. It is estimated that upon secession of hostilities and following the return to their villages and towns, the 400,000 persons directly affected will also require humanitarian assistance for at least three months.
The situation in Lebanon remains volatile and continues to evolve rapidly. The human suffering is enormous. It is particularly critical for support to be made available quickly, in order to forestall increased suffering.
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