Media Advisory: UN humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien to visit Syria & Lebanon

WHO: Stephen O’Brien, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

WHAT: Mission to Lebanon and Syria

WHEN: 14-17 August 2015

WHERE: Beirut, Damascus, field locations

UN humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien is scheduled to visit Syria and Lebanon from 14 - 17 August 2015 to see for himself the terrible humanitarian impact of the protracted conflict and violence in Syria.

Humanitarian needs in Syria have increased twelve-fold since the beginning of the crisis, now in its fifth year, with 12.2 million people needing humanitarian assistance, including more than 5.6 million children. Half of the population has been displaced making Syria the largest displacement crisis globally, and more than four million people have been registered as refugees. A high level of civilian casualties and increased violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Laws, by all parties, indicate the significant protection and access concerns.

USG O'Brien is expected to meet key officials in Damascus and Beirut to discuss ways of strengthening the aid operation to save lives and protect civilians. He hopes to meet displaced and refugee families in Homs and the Beka’a Valley, and staff of humanitarian agencies and partners.

Press encounters are expected to be held in Damascus and Beirut. For further details of these and other interview opportunities during the mission, please contact:

Ghalia Seifo in Damascus: Cell +963 953 300 078, seifo@un.org Manal Sarrouf in Beirut: Cell +961 3 486 929, sarrouf@un.org Amanda Pitt in New York: Cell +1 917 442 1810, pitta@un.org