ReliefWeb

Beirut

Palestine refugees who fled the conflict in Syria and sought refuge in Lebanon (PRS) are facing harsh living conditions and struggling to meet the basic needs of their families’ daily life. PRS women-headed households with children are in a particularly vulnerable situation during the harsh winter months. In response to their hardship, the Government of Japan is donating funds to support PRS women-headed households with children, in the form of cash assistance through UNRWA in Lebanon.

“This grant was offered from the people of Japan as a sign of friendship with Palestinians. I sincerely wish for the health and safety of the PRS families despite the hardships they face,” stated H.E. Seiichi Otsuka, the Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon.

Thanking Japan for its long-standing generous support to UNRWA, Deputy Director of UNRWA in Lebanon Heli Uusikyla welcomed the donation, which benefitted over 1200 women-headed households with children. In most cases, these women have supported their families through the cold winter months with only limited winter assistance. This assistance would help addressing their growing needs.

Over 1,200 women-headed households with children will receive 60,000 Lebanese pounds (US$ 40) each, which will be channeled through UNRWA ATM cards.

Japan has provided long-standing, critical assistance to UNRWA to support the needs of Palestine refugees and improve their living conditions across the region. In 2014, Japan was the ninth largest contributor to UNRWA, supporting urgent relief and recovery needs in Gaza, emergency assistance for Palestine refugees affected by the conflict in Syria, and the continuation of essential UNRWA services. Most recently, Japan generously donated US$ 32.2 million to UNRWA, its largest ever one-time donation to the Agency.