Amid ongoing hostilities in Lebanon, over 100,000 civilians, including Lebanese and Syrians have crossed into Syria in search of shelter. The majority of those crossing, notably women and children, are traveling on foot and urgently require humanitarian assistance. Reports indicate that at least 60% of those crossing are under the age of 18.

The current displacement crisis adds an additional burden on Syria and its local responders, who are still in the midst of a widespread humanitarian crisis, with some 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance throughout the country – the highest level of need after over a decade of conflict that severely damaged basic civilian infrastructure.

The European Union is providing immediate emergency funding of €500,000 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is currently active at the 4 main border crossings and is positioned to swiftly address the needs of those who have crossed the border from Lebanon.

“It is crucial that the EU can help swiftly to alleviate the suffering of those fleeing conflict and destruction,” said Michael Ohnmacht, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Syria.

These funds will support 6 months of humanitarian operations, primarily focused on distributing much-needed shelter items such as plastic sheeting and 10,000 mattresses and blankets. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent, currently on the frontline of the emergency response, will be in charge of such distributions.