In May 2007, conflict erupted in Nahr al-Bared camp between the Lebanese Government and Islamist militants. Since the fighting halted earlier this week, the International Committee of the Red Cross estimates that between 13,000 and 15,000 refugees have poured out of the besieged Nahr al-Bared camp, and are fleeing to the relative safety of Bourj el-Barajneh camp in Beirut.
Wissam, a young mother who fled Nahr al-Bared describes part of her ordeal, "I woke at three in the morning to the sound of guns and bombing and fighting. It was too unsafe on the street due to snipers everywhere that were shooting people on sight. We couldn't even move to our neighbours house next door which is only a metre away from us. In the street, dead bodies had started to pile up with nowhere to put them."
The United Nations Security Council has underscored the need "to protect and give assistance to the civilian population, notably the Palestinian refugees" while rallying behind the Lebanese Government in its battle against Islamist militants in the camp.
Austcare is accepting donations towards emergency food and non-food relief items (such as nappies) for people fleeing Nahr al-Bared camp.
The current situation
Hundreds of thousands of people fled their homes during the hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. In Lebanon alone, an estimated 800,000 people were forcibly displaced, and another 215,000 fled the country. There have been an estimated 1,187 deaths, mainly civilians, and more than 4,389 casualties in Lebanon.
After the cessation of hostilities, the majority of families returned to their homes and villages, but many found their homes completely or practically destroyed. It is estimated that 250,000 people remain displaced in schools and public places, 45% of these being children. It is believed that another 200,000 are staying with host families and there are approximately 55,000 refugees in Syria, Jordan, Cyprus and the Gulf area.
"One of the scenes I will never forget is of a woman with her 9-10 year old son looking for their home. They couldn't recognise the area. Someone pointed out for them where their home was and without thinking they ran towards it.....but there was no home. The little boy hugged his mother and they started to cry." Olfat Mahmoud, Director, Women's Humanitarian Organisation (WHO).
Although a ceasefire is currently in place, the scale of displacement in Lebanon and the need for emergency humanitarian assistance remain acute, with access to food, water and medical supplies remaining limited for many families.
One of the major priorities at the current time is the issue of unexploded ordinance. Cluster bombs continue to cause casualties among the Lebanese population, increasing the suffering caused by the conflict. Children are a highly affected demographic group by sub-munitions with 15 injuries and 1 death.
During the 4 weeks from 14 August to 10 September 2006, 87 people were victims of mines and UXOs. This number almost equals the yearly rate of 2000 and 2001 and exceeds the combined total victims for the last three years (2003 to 2005 inclusive).
"Children were digging in what used to be a building. I went near them to warn them about unexploded bombs but their father said they were trying to find a photograph of their mother who died 8 years ago.....they wanted to keep some memories of her." Olfat Mahmoud.
The international community's humanitarian response values the resilience of the Lebanese community and their absorption of the immediate needs of many displaced people. Non-government organisations have a vital role to play in procuring, and most importantly, distributing aid. International NGOs are also key players in ensuring that there is humanitarian access, a coordinated response and a long-term commitment to recovery that meets the needs of Lebanese civil society.
Austcare's response
Austcare has launched an emergency appeal in response to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon affecting more than half a million people.
"The humanitarian imperative to alleviate the suffering of civilians displaced by the current conflict is as great as in the natural disasters that continue to plague the world," said the Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC, President of Austcare. "I urge Australians to demonstrate their generosity yet again commensurate with the needs of the hundreds of thousands of people facing this humanitarian disaster."
Austcare is working with local partners, including Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), to procure and distribute emergency relief items. Funds raised will help provide food and non-food items including medicines, first aid materials and kitchen sets to people displaced in Beirut, Sidon and other affected areas. Our focus will be on women, children and those most vulnerable, including people with a disability, and on meeting the needs of the many families sheltering in schools and public gardens or unable to flee unsafe areas.
Funds raised will initially go towards assisting 10,000 displaced families with basic needs. Most have fled with nothing. Your gift, however small, can make a difference. For example:
- $4 provides a family with much needed candles and matches
- $7 purchases supplies for one infant or sanitary items for one woman
- $13 buys emergency milk and bottles for one innocent infant
- $20 provides a displaced family with a kitchen set, or an essential cleaning material kit as sanitation becomes a prime concern
- $27 provides blankets and mattresses for one family
- $53 purchases an essential food kit for one displaced family
Support for our existing partners
Austcare has been working in Lebanon since 1981. We have already transferred limited funds aside from our public appeal to support existing partner Women's Humanitarian Organisation in the Bourj al-Barajneh Refugee Camp, which is home to Palestinian refugees and which is located between Haret Horek and Beirut International Airport, areas that have been heavily bombed.
The nearly 20,000 residents of the camp have nowhere to flee and no means to do so. The most vulnerable are children, 1,500 of whom are under the age of six, and the elderly, with 450 suffering from chronic diseases. Many are already suffering from diarrhea, which can be life threatening. The camp has no water supplies.
"The number of people has grown to 20 persons per room (3m). In such circumstances the usage of the toilet by more than one family creates an unhygienic environment. People are aware of this problem but have no other choice, so they reduce the amount of food and intake of water to lessen the usage, which creates health problems such as malnutrition and dehydration. Also, there is little chance given for people to take showers in this hot, sweaty summer, which causes lice, skins problems and scabies." Olfat Mahmoud.
Access to and from the camp is severely restricted, with only one entrance not blocked by rubble. Since the outbreak of the conflict, virtually no one has been able to work and hence buy essential items.
WHO is taking a lead role among the few remaining NGOs to coordinate emergency relief efforts in the camp. With Austcare funds, WHO is providing aid to women, youth and the elderly including food, bottled water, baby supplies, medical items (first aid equipment, bandages and dressing materials, insulin and antibiotics) and other essential items (fuel, candles, matches, and fire extinguishers).
Examples of how funds have assisted so far;
- Support of 2,400 families in Bourj El Brajneh camp with food packages.
- Establishment of 6 emergency centres.
- First aid courses for 36 young people.
- Play centres for children to assist with psycho-social issues.
- Purchase of medicine for 237 people with chronic diseases.
If you wish to further assist Austcare in supporting WHO efforts, please contact Elektra Spathopoulos, call (02) 9565 9106 direct, or phone 1300 66 66 72.
Arab Council and Austcare respond to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon
The Arab Council of Australia (ACA) has responded to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon by partnering with Austcare in the Lebanon Crisis Appeal.
"We rely on the generosity of the Australian public in responding to such humanitarian crises and welcome the ACA's support," says Ms Elektra Spathopoulos, Austcare Fundraising and Communication Director.
"We welcome the opportunity to partner with Austcare, a wholly Australian-based, non-sectarian humanitarian and development organisation with a commitment to the long-term needs of those displaced through conflict and natural disasters," says Ms Randa Kattan, Executive Director of Arab Council Australia.
Please give now to help people in crisis
Austcare needs funds to meet the needs of vulnerable families and for the long term recovery of Lebanon. We are committed to supporting recovery.
Donate now via credit card here or by calling 1300 66 66 72.