Beirut – Lebanon

PRESS OFFICE
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Contact: RASIT Press Office

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2008-067

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 7th, 2008

 

 

BEIRUT - The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) continues its humanitarian efforts for underprivileged Iraqi Refugees in Lebanon (Middle East).  On September 6th, 10 tons of food was distributed to 150 families within the suburb of Beirut City. These relief supplies are in addition to the relief supply distributed in earlier in this year to support 440 families (average of 4 persons / family).

 

The displacement of Iraqis from Iraq is now the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world. The situation of Iraqi refugees in Lebanon is dire.  Although there are no official figures for the number of Iraqis who, as a result of the war, have fled to Lebanon, according to the Ambassador of Iraq in Beirut, more than 50,000 Iraqi families are living there. They have no legal status, either as residents or refugees: Lebanon is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that one third of the Iraqis in Lebanon are children.

These traumatized people are unable to work, send their children to school or receive even the most basic health care. What resources they may once have had, have been depleted. They live in precarious circumstances in the poorest areas.

 

 

In 2007, RASIT (Royal Academy of Science International Trust) undertook a pilot program to address the urgent needs of Iraqi refugees, with a particular focus on health, hygiene and nutrition, providing immediate aid to 822 Iraqi families. RASIT also provided medical attention to 82 patients suffering from cancer, heart problems, diabetes and other chronic conditions requiring urgent attention, as well as treating children for infectious diseases.  Furthermore RASIT provided family support and counseling for vulnerable families and widows and organized cultural and sporting events for Iraqis in Beirut.

 

In order to continue to provide assistance to impoverished displaced Iraqis in Lebanon, and expand the services for up to 1000 families and emergency hospital treatment for a 2-year period, RASIT must raise US$6.720 million

 

For more information on RASIT’s humanitarian efforts for Iraqi Refugees in Lebanon, please visit our website: www.rasit.org

 

The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) is an international non-governmental organization serving education and humanity since 1969.