Catherine Connolly
Ceist:40. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3084/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 February 2025
Ceisteanna (40)
Freagraí scríofa
We remain very concerned about the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon. Humanitarian needs remain are particularly high, and all parties need to meet their commitments under the extended ceasefire agreement.
The UN estimates that over 800,000 people who were internally displaced in Lebanon during the 14-month conflict have now returned to their home places, while over 100,000 people remain displaced. However, people returning home, those unable to return, and other communities affected by the hostilities are facing multiple challenges including widespread destruction of property and critical infrastructure, disruption in essential services, and risks from explosive ordnance left behind after the fighting. Key humanitarian needs include basic assistance, shelter, food, water storage solutions, and access to health services.
Even before the conflict, Lebanon was coping with widespread poverty, economic collapse, and the impact of the Syria crisis. It was already hosting an estimated 1.5 million refugees from Syria, the largest number of refugees per capita and per square kilometre in the world. The fall of Assad regime has seen some refugees return to Syria but numbers of returnees remain low.
Ireland provided a total of €10 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon in 2024. including €5 million pledged at the Paris Conference for Lebanon in October 2024. Our humanitarian assistance, channelled through a number of trusted partners including the UN OCHA Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, UNHCR, the World Health Organisation, Education Cannot Wait and Irish NGOs, has provided critical support to the most vulnerable people and as well as emergency funding to support badly damaged health and education systems.
We welcome recent positive steps towards the formation of a new government which can carry out the necessary reform, recovery and reconstruction of Lebanon. We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance as necessary to support people in need in Lebanon in 2025.