“Families I spoke to have fled for their lives and have no idea what tomorrow will bring after an exhausting, dangerous journey to the border. They come with few resources and are in urgent need of help.” UNHCR chef Mr. Grandi saida visit to the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing.
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 another layer of complexity to the already tense humanitarian situation. The Syrian civil war that began in 2011 has resulted in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
The country continues to face major challenges that the UN Human Rights Office, OHCHRwarns that it is spiraling deeper into a humanitarian crisis that threatens to spiral out of control.
Only a quarter of Syria’s humanitarian needs have been funded this year, while needs are at their highest since the start of the conflict: 13 million Syrians face acute food insecurity and more than 650,000 children show signs of stunted growth due to severe malnutrition.
Perilous journey amid destruction
With the main road between the Lebanese and Syrian border posts destroyed by an airstrike, refugees are forced to make the journey on foot, with their children and whatever belongings they can take with them.
UNHCR – in partnership 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. Teams also support the newcomers with legal assistance, documentation and advise them on administrative and other procedures.
Calls for more support
Mr. Grandi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that: “The new influx of people comes at a time when millions of Syrians are living in hardship and are themselves in need of humanitarian assistance. We must scale up support for the newcomers and the vulnerable host communities that receive them.”
The High Commissioner underlines the critical need to mobilize humanitarian assistance and substantial resources for early recovery activities, as provided for in the UN Convention Security Council Solution.
Emergency call
Earlier, Mr Grandi launched an interagency emergency appeal in Damascus for $324 million 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 meet the needs of both newcomers and host communities. The agency is also strengthening its legal support programs.
