A high-profile delegation of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has visited Lebanon to review relief projects for Syrian refugees there and hold meetings with international relief officials.
The QRCS delegation comprised Saleh bin Ali al-Mohannadi, secretary-general, and Rashid bin Saad al-Mohannadi, director of social development and Al Khor branch.
The delegation inaugurated several QRCS projects for Syrian refugees, including solar water heaters installed at two shelter complexes in Sir Ed Donie.
Co-funded by QRCS and Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS), the project will provide warmth for more than 700 Syrians who live about 1,000m above sea level, helping protect them against cold-related diseases.
The secretary-general described the project as crucial, as pre-studies showed gaps in the supplies for Syrian refugees in this cold area. “Water heaters will help the refugees withstand the brunt of the winter,” he noted.
“QRCS’s strategy is focused on sustainable, well-planned and feasible projects that meet the needs of displaced people,” al-Mohannadi said. “We are happy with the contribution by BRCS under the umbrella of the GCC Secretariat-General.”
He took part in preparedness training to inform the displaced about how to deal with fire, storm, snow and flood risks. The training was conducted in co-operation with the Lebanese Red Cross for 10,400 beneficiaries in 20 camps.
Then, the delegation went to Central and Western Beqaa, where they launched a project to pave passages inside Al Homsi camp, Saadnayel, with diphenol and reviewed the progress in installing thermal insulation sheets inside the tents.
The visitors also supervised the distribution of warm clothes to Syrian students at the Al Amal School of the camp. Then, they moved to Majdal Anjar to open a new physiotherapy centre and visit the department of oncology and pharmacy at Ghiras Al Khair Centre.
The delegation held a meeting with the deputy representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon, Lynne Miller.
An MoU was signed by al-Mohannadi to offer a $50,000 contribution to UNHCR’s winterisation aid programme. Accordingly, heating oil vouchers will be delivered to 1,000 Syrian families in Arsal, northeastern Lebanon.
Another meeting was held with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East country director for Lebanon, Matthias Schmale. The meeting discussed the humanitarian situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and how to work together to help them.
The visit to the country concluded by attending the closing ceremony of the 10-day Health Emergencies in Large Populations Course, held by QRCS in Beirut, in co-operation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Lebanese Red Cross and Qatar University.