In response to the severe humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where the number of internally displaced persons continues to rise with significant repercussions for the country’s socio-economic stability, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, today announced a new EUR 10 million emergency assistance package.
The package, which will be implemented in the coming hours by the Deputy Minister, Edmondo Cirielli, includes: a bilateral initiative worth EUR 6 million; a EUR 2 million contribution to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); and a further EUR 2 million contribution to support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The bilateral initiative in particular will enable assistance to reach approximately 220,000 beneficiaries — including the most vulnerable Christian communities — through activities providing basic assistance, food security, initial reception support and sanitation services.
In addition, a humanitarian flight organised by the Italian Development Cooperation is being prepared to deliver approximately 30 tonnes of essential relief supplies, including thermal blankets, personal hygiene items, water storage and transport containers, and cooking kits.
These measures are in addition to Italy’s longstanding support to Lebanon in the humanitarian and development cooperation sectors.