White Receives Notice from UNHCR about Reduction of Health Coverage for Syrian Displaced Persons

The Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Firas Al-Abyad, received a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by the agency's representative in Lebanon, Ivo Freysen. He informed him about a sharp reduction in the UNHCR's budget, including the health budget, due to the series of global crises in recent years. As a result, the health coverage limits for registered Syrian displaced persons with the UNHCR will be halved. Al-Abyad expressed his regret over this "decision that comes at a difficult timing given the delicate financial phase that Lebanon is undergoing, which will negatively impact the ability of Syrian displaced persons to access services and consequently affect health indicators." He expressed surprise at "the international community's abandonment of its humanitarian responsibilities, as Lebanon's burden of displacement since the onset of the Syrian events has been much greater than that of the international community, which is now asking Lebanon for more, despite its unprecedented financial crisis." He emphasized "the necessity for the international community to bear its responsibilities and fulfill its promises and related international agreements," noting the "priority of finding a durable solution to the displacement crisis by ensuring their dignified return to their country."