Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam received the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Iraqi President (former) Barham Salih, along with the accompanying delegation, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi.
Following the meeting, Salih said:
“I was honored to meet with His Excellency the Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, and it was an opportunity to reaffirm our support for Lebanon during these difficult circumstances. I arrived in Lebanon yesterday to reiterate our backing for the Lebanese people and the Lebanese state as they face these challenging conditions. I have seen firsthand the destruction that has affected parts of Beirut, and I have heard about the civilian casualties who have been killed in this war. I also met with many displaced persons in shelters in the Beqaa as well as in Beirut.
The humanitarian consequences of this war are significant, and I stress the need to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure from the horrors of attacks. Lebanon does not deserve to be trapped in a cycle of repeated violence; it deserves support and stability.
The Lebanese people, who have always hosted displaced persons and refugees, are today experiencing unprecedented displacement. More than one million Lebanese have been forced to leave their homes, representing about one-fifth of the population. The impact of this humanitarian situation and this immense suffering poses a major challenge not only for Lebanon but for the entire international community.
Today, in my capacity as UN High Commissioner for Refugees here in Beirut, I reaffirm our support for the Lebanese state and the Lebanese people as they face this difficult challenge under complex circumstances. Our hope remains that this war will end as soon as possible and lead to a lasting peace that ensures dignity and a free and decent life for the Lebanese people.
In response to a question, he said: the international community is called upon to support Lebanon. A few days ago, the United Nations launched an urgent appeal for $308 million in aid.
The UNHCR also called for $61 million. We have received part of this assistance and are currently distributing it. Upon my return to Geneva, I will work to mobilize further support to secure additional funding.
Efforts are also underway by UNHCR and other UN agencies to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance. However, the scale of the challenge and suffering is enormous, and greater support is needed. I therefore call on the international community to urgently provide aid and relief to Lebanon. Lebanon deserves support, and the Lebanese people in these difficult circumstances deserve our presence, solidarity, and all possible assistance to address this humanitarian suffering.”
