Government of Norway

10/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 06:14

Norway increasing humanitarian support to Lebanon by NOK 80 million

'More than a million people have been affected by the ongoing hostilities in Lebanon. Once again, Lebanon has become an arena for the conflicts of others. The country is in a very vulnerable situation and the humanitarian needs are vast and growing. The Norwegian Government has therefore acted quickly to increase Norway's support to Lebanon by NOK 80 million,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway has provided a total of over NOK 290 million in humanitarian support and long-term assistance to Lebanon in 2024. Some NOK 230 million of this amount is humanitarian aid. Much of the funding has been used to establish contingency stocks, which will now come into use. Funding from Norway is also being used to support the ongoing efforts of the UN and a number of Norwegian humanitarian organisations in Lebanon.

'Lebanon has long been in a very vulnerable situation. The country has taken in almost two million Syrian and Palestinian refugees. A great deal of help has been provided by the Lebanese people themselves, but it is far from sufficient. Norway is therefore increasing its humanitarian aid to Lebanon by NOK 80 million,' said Mr Støre.

Of the NOK 80 million being allocated, at least NOK 25 million will be channelled through Norway's strategic humanitarian partners. The efforts of these partners can now be scaled up with the help of flexible funding from Norway.

'Norwegian organisations in Lebanon are doing life-saving work by helping to ensure access to shelter, health services, food, water, protection and education,' said Mr Støre.

'Some of the additional funding is already being put to good use. Norway is providing immediate emergency relief in Lebanon via the UN and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

This year, Norway is also providing NOK 500 million in support to humanitarian aid organisations in Lebanon's neighbouring country, Syria. According to the UN, Syria has taken in at least 128 000 people who have fled from Lebanon. The aid organisations are now redirecting funds to assist the refugees.