Overview of Developments
- The mass influx of Syrians and Lebanese following the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon since 27 September continued, most visibly at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing but also at the other border crossings.
- On 1 October, the UNHCR High Commissioner declared a Level 3 (L3) Emergency for Lebanon and Syria. By declaring an L3 emergency, this signals the highest level of emergency response which requires substantial assistance. In doing so, maximum resources will be mobilized along with close coordination between UN agencies, humanitarian actors and the international community to address the needs of affected populations.
- Lebanese authorities issued a decision that facilitates the departure of Syrian nationals and Palestinian refugees originally from Syria but had stayed in Lebanon, regardless of the manner of their entry into Lebanon.
- The positive impact of the week-long waiver of mandatory USD100.00 exchange required of each Syrian for entry, announced on 29 September (Council of Minister’s decision No. 12147/1), was apparent. The conditions in the border area were vastly improved, with little congestion and an orderly queue formed at the entrance to the immigration office.
There were much fewer families who sat waiting on the tarmac in the parking lot area. - Notably, UNHCR observed a higher number of adolescent Syrian males arriving at the borders with their families. Some 60 per cent of those crossing the border points were reportedly under the age of 18.
- Medical emergencies were still frequent, most of which were due to the exhaustion and dehydration suffered from the long journey. On 28 September, SARC supported some 700 medical cases at the border crossing points, with the Ministry of Health providing emergency treatment.
- To address the increased number of extremely vulnerable families arriving at the borders,
UNHCR with SARC provided transportation for approximately 7,000 new arrival families (as of 30 September) to help them reach their destinations inside Syria. The majority of new arrivals indicated their intention of joining their relatives. - Local authorities and communities are establishing hosting centres across Syria to host a small number of destitute Lebanese and provide them with support.
- UNHCR agreed to support the Embassy of Lebanon in Damascus by temporarily stationing a UNHCR staff member to directly provide information on available UNHCR services inside Syria to the crowds of Lebanese approaching the Embassy for such information.