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QRCS Secretary-General Inaugurates Multiple Relief Projects for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon [EN/AR]

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February 27th, 2016 ― Doha: A high-profile delegation of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has visited Lebanon to review relief projects for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and hold meetings with international relief officials there.

The delegation comprised Mr. Saleh bin Ali Al-Mohannadi, Secretary General, and Mr. 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. Cofunded by QRCS and Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS), the project will provide warmth for more than 700 Syrians who live about 1,000 meters above sea level, thus 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 too cold area. "Water heaters will help the refugees withstand the brunt of the winter," he remarked.

"QRCS's strategy is focused on sustainable, well-planned, and feasible projects that meet the needs of displaced people," Mr. 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 cooperation 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 the 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 family warm clothes to Syrian students at the Al-Amal School of the camp. Then, they moved to Majdal Anjar to open a new physiotherapy center and visit the department of oncology and pharmacy of Ghiras Al-Khair Center.

The delegation held a meeting with the Deputy Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon, Ms. Lynne Miller.

An MoU was signed by Mr. Al-Mohannadi to offer $50,000 contribution to UNHCR's winterization aid program. 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 (UNRWA) country director for Lebanon, Mr. 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 was concluded with attending the closing ceremony of the 10-day Health Emergencies in Large Populations (H.E.L.P.) Course, held by QRCS in Beirut, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), and Qatar University (QU).

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About Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)

Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian charitable organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination. QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) in Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 190 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several Gulf, Arab, and Islamic assemblies, such as: the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Secretariat-General of the Arab Organization of Red Crescent and Red Cross. In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts, a role that distinguishes it from other local charitable or philanthropic organizations.

QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. QRCS's humanitarian actions include providing support in disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare, and social development to local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian advocacy front. With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. As a reflection of its long-standing accomplishments and credibility, QRCS's Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Al-Maadheed, is former Vice-President of the IFRC. Qatar Red Crescent works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. For more information about Qatar Red Crescent, please contact Mr. Fareed Adnan, Head of Media Affairs, Communication Department, Tel.: +974 5583 7338, email: fareed@qrcs.org.qa. Or you can visit our website: www.qrcs.org.qa, or like and follow our social media pages: Facebook: www.facebook.com/QatarRedCrescent Twitter/ Instgram: @QRCS LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/qatar-red-crescent