The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has made a significant contribution of $4 million to support over 72,000 vulnerable Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) multi-purpose cash assistance program. This assistance, provided from February to May 2024, helped more than 58,700 Syrian refugees in Lebanon and about 14,000 refugees in Jordan meet their urgent needs such as food, rent, and healthcare.
Sultan bin Ahmed Al Aseeri, Acting Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, highlighted the importance of ongoing support and collaboration with UNHCR, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Syrian refugees and host communities. Through this partnership, they aim to extend a helping hand to those affected by the prolonged crisis and assist them in meeting their emergency needs.
Ahmed Mohsen, the UNHCR representative to the State of Qatar, expressed gratitude for Qatar Fund for Development’s continuous support, especially during a time of increased humanitarian needs and struggles faced by refugees in providing for their families. The contribution from QFFD plays a crucial role in providing urgent assistance to those in dire need, showcasing their dedication to supporting refugees in crisis situations.
The multi-purpose cash assistance program implemented by UNHCR has been vital in responding to the Syrian refugee crisis, allowing beneficiaries to prioritize their needs with dignity and contributing to the local economy. The humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries have escalated over the years, with Lebanon hosting a significant number of refugees relative to its population, and Jordan also facing challenges in accommodating refugees and limited resources.
As a key partner of UNHCR in the region, Qatar has been actively involved in supporting UNHCR’s work and responding to the urgent needs of forcibly displaced individuals. Since 2018, contributions from the Qatar Fund for Development to UNHCR programs have reached nearly $103 million, benefiting approximately two million refugees in countries such as Bangladesh, Jordan, Lebanon, and internally displaced persons in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen.
Overall, Qatar’s support for UNHCR programs plays a crucial role in alleviating the suffering of refugees and addressing their urgent needs, demonstrating a commitment to humanitarian assistance and solidarity with vulnerable populations. By working together with UNHCR and other partners, Qatar continues to make a positive impact in providing crucial support to those affected by conflicts and displacement, ultimately contributing to the global efforts to address refugee crises and ensure the protection and wellbeing of displaced individuals.
