More than 450,000 people to benefit from improved access to water and sanitation services
DAMASCUS, 31 October 2024 - In a significant effort to support vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, the Government of Japan has contributed US$1 million to the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF). This funding aims to enhance access to safe water and sanitation services for an estimated 450,000 displaced people and host communities, particularly women and children in Syria.
“Since the beginning of the devastating crisis in Syria, Japan has remained sincerely committed to alleviating the suffering of the People of Syria, with its comprehensive and multisectoral support. This Emergency Grant is another contribution to support the response to the influx from Lebanon to Syria following the escalation of hostilities, which is adding a crisis to the already existing crisis in Syria. We would like to express appreciation to the UNICEF and all other UN partners for their efforts and rapid response to address this new crisis,” said Mr. Akihiro Tsuji, the Chargé d'affaires of Japan in Syria.
Since 24 September 2024, escalating hostilities in Lebanon have displaced hundreds of thousands of families into Syria, more than half of them are children. Many families are relocating to communities that urgently need water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
Following 13 years of conflict, essential services in Syria remain severely strained. Approximately 13.56 million people - 44 per cent of whom are children - are in urgent need of WASH support. The compounded impacts of conflict, economic decline, and natural disasters – such as the February 2023 earthquakes, which struck Syria have further deteriorated already fragile services.
In the immediate response to the escalating violence in Lebanon, UNICEF has prioritized the provision of essential WASH services at border crossing points, host centres and communities. As communities continue to host new arrivals, the rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities is crucial.
With Japan’s support, people will benefit from restored water and sanitation networks through rehabilitating damaged WASH facilities and improving adequate access to lifesaving WASH services. In addition to infrastructure improvements, the contribution of Japan will help UNICEF focus on promoting better hygiene practices in emergency through awareness campaigns tailored to community needs, particularly for female family members. “It is imperative to improve adequate access to safe water and sanitation. This invaluable contribution will help UNICEF respond to the urgent needs of arriving families, including children, and mitigate risks associated with waterborne diseases and potential health outbreaks,” Mr. Yasumasa Kimura, UNICEF Syria Representative said.
“I would like to thank the Government of Japan for this emergency funding support, which is critical for UNICEF to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs and ensure that services in host communities are able to absorb the increasing demand so that no child is left behind,” Mr. Kimura concluded.
The Government of Japan is UNICEF’s longstanding and valued partner. The Government of Japan is among UNICEF’s top donors and contributed over US$63 million between 2020-2024 to support vulnerable children and families in Syria.
Media contacts
Sherin Salameh
Communication Officer
UNICEF Syria
Tel: + 963 (0) 958 558 891
Email: ssalama@unicef.org
Hasan Burhan
Communication Officer
UNICEF Syria
Tel: + 963 (0) 950 044 206
Email: hburhan@unicef.org
Richard Ledbury
Partnerships Manager
UNICEF Syria
Tel: +963 (0) 950 044 268
Email: rledbury@unicef.org