UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Lebanon's Minister of State for the Displaced Visit South Lebanon

Deputy UN Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Philippe Lazzarini yesterday carried out with Lebanon’s Minister of State for Displaced Affairs Mouein Merhebe and the General Director of the Socio-Economic Development Fund Haitham Omar a joint visit to several areas in south Lebanon that are hosting Syrian refugees. In there visit to Tyre, Shebaa and Arqoub, the three officials examined the conditions of the Syrian refugees and the difficulties faced by the Lebanese host communities with a view to seeking solutions to the challenges faced. Mr. Lazzarini said the UN would continue to work to ensure additional assistance for Lebanon despite the difficulties. "We are in a protracted situation where you [the Lebanese] have been the backbone of hospitality and shared your limited resources. A lot is at stake in a host country like Lebanon. If we let you alone [to deal] with the impact of the Syrian crisis, it will be detrimental to the Lebanese and the region. We need to walk together."