Assistant Secretary Anne Richard completes visit to Lebanon

Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne Richard completed her visit to Lebanon today, which was part of a regional trip to discuss humanitarian issues and assess refugee assistance efforts in Lebanon.                  

Ms. Richard met with Caretaker Minister of Social Affairs Wael Abu Faour, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins, World Bank Regional Representative Ferid BelHaj, UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Resident Representative Ninette Kelley, and UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Affairs (UNRWA) Deputy Director Roger Davies. 

Yesterday, she met with Ms. Kelley, filmmaker Ms. Nadine Labaki, composer Mr. Khaled Mouzannar, and non-governmental organization leaders providing humanitarian assistance in Lebanon.                   

In her meetings, Ms. Richard highlighted the $815 million in humanitarian assistance the United States has provided for the Syrian people in Syria and the region, including almost $160 million in assistance for refugees from Syria in Lebanon and Lebanese host communities.             

Funds for Lebanon are provided to international organizations, local communities, and non-governmental organization partners to provide Syrian refugees as well as Lebanese host communities with shelter improvements for families hosting refugees, quick impact projects to improve local services in affected areas, along with vocational training, educational classes, and income generation activities to benefit Syrians and Lebanese in need.            

Funds further provide immunizations for children and improved sanitation and water as well as assistance for Palestinian refugees who have fled Syria.  Ms. Richard underscored the United States’ call for all donors who made pledges at the Kuwait conference to fulfill their commitments and respond generously to the United Nations’ recent appeal to address the growing needs in the region, including in Lebanon.              

Ms. Richard welcomed the Government of Lebanon’s efforts to meet the needs of refugees from Syria and encouraged the government to continue close cooperation with UNHCR, UNRWA, and other international and non-governmental organizations that are helping to address growing humanitarian concerns in Lebanon. 

She further highlighted the U.S. Government’s appreciation for Lebanon’s commitment to meet its international obligations, including respect for human rights and the protection of refugees in Lebanon.              

She reiterated the United States’ ongoing efforts to provide assistance to Palestinian and Iraqi refugees in the region.  Ms. Richard renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.


US Embassy