Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS:
By end of March 2014, agencies reported shelter assistance reaching 147,794 individuals this year comprising 92,249 Syrian refugees, 51,846 PRS, 2,033 Lebanese returnees and 1,666 affected Lebanese.
UNHCR and MOSA continue efforts to identify plots for formal settlements. In total, 16 newly identified sites (in Akkar, Beka'a, Mount Lebanon and South Lebanon) are being assessed. Once approved/implemented, the new sites can provide shelter to 1,500 families (7,500 individuals). MOSA, in coordination with UNHCR, has been conducting technical meetings with independent NGOs, involved in the establishment of sites in Arsal, Akkar, and Central Bekaa. A temporary technical committee was formed from partners in the sector working group in order to ensure these sites adhere with minimum standards for site planning, shelter, and WASH.
In response to sporadic rains, and windy conditions in Eastern Bekaa/Arsaal, shelter agencies continue to distribute plastic sheeting and provide technical support to refugees on installation and best practices.
Initial results of the UNHCR Shelter Survey began to emerge. The percentage of refugees living in apartments/houses decreased from 67.4% in August 2013 to 57% in March 2014. Correspondingly, the percentage of refugees living in informal settlements increased from 12.7% to 15% and in sub-standard buildings (i.e. worksites, garages, unfinished buildings) from 16.5% to 25% over the same period.