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two hours ago
The European Union
The European Commission stated in a statement: “Through the European Union Regional Trust Fund for Response to the Syrian Crisis – MADAD, the European Union is working in partnership with the World Food Program to support vulnerable families in the Lebanon, which have been affected by the multiple crises facing the country. Thanks to a total budget of 151.2 million euros in the form of grants, which includes a new agreement between the European Union and the program worth 103.2 million euros signed this September, the aid provides a vital pillar of life for vulnerable Lebanese and refugees from Syria struggling to meet their basic needs. .
The European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Affairs, Oliver Farheli, pointed out that “the economic and financial deterioration, the Covid-19 epidemic and, finally, the bombing in the port of Beirut, left thousands of families without access to life, without assets or adequate social protection. The European Union continues to support the people of Lebanon in these difficult times. “Together with our partner, the World Food Program, we support the strengthening of national social assistance systems and make them more effective, accountable and transparent,” he said. The European Union will help Lebanon in its economic recovery, but the Lebanese government must commit to and work on reforms.
“This generous contribution from the European Union comes at a time when many in Lebanon are struggling to make ends meet,” said David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Program. With the vital support of the European Union, the World Food Program will continue to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the most vulnerable across the country, which should restore some hope and a normal course of their lives. Our association is a great example of how humanitarian and development assistance brought together can save lives and change the lives of people in Lebanon. “
The statement noted that “the recently signed agreement raises the total budget for our joint support to 151.2 million euros and makes the European Union and its member states the largest contributor to social assistance in Lebanon. Out of a total amount of 151.2 million euros, about 10 million euros have been allocated to people affected by the economic crisis and who suffered the effects of the Beirut bombing on 4 August. The devastating bombing exposed Greater Beirut residents to injuries and exacerbated vulnerabilities as a result of property damage, destruction of their homes, loss of their livelihoods, increased Covid-19 cases, as well as declines in the capacity of the health system. Up to 37,000 of the most vulnerable families will benefit from multipurpose cash transfers over a period of up to six months through the Madad Fund.
He explained: “In addition to responding to emergency situations, the project aims to strengthen the national social assistance system. A large sum is allocated to strengthen their capacity, effectiveness and accountability, and to expand the coverage of the national program’s electronic food card to help the poorest families reach 300,000 Lebanese, in collaboration with other donors.
The statement noted that “since 2019, the European Union has supported vulnerable families, both Lebanese and refugees from Syria, and the establishment of a national social assistance system through the World Food Program, with a budget of 48 million of euros. This new contribution of 103.2 million euros, signed in September of this year, guarantees the extension and extension of this aid until February 2022. Thanks to a budget of 151.2 million euros, the European Union and its member states They are the largest contributors to social assistance in Lebanon. In terms of providing aid or building a national social assistance system.
