UNICEF Lebanon issued a press release on Thursday expressing that the Government of Japan contributed $1.8 million to help UNICEF with humanitarian assistance targeting families living in Lebanon.
The organization said that the funding will target families in the upcoming months to help families living in cold regions “when temperatures can range from 10oC to -5oC by distributing blanket, jacket, thermal set, outwear, and socks.”
“35,000 vulnerable children, youth, and families will be supported through the Government of Japan’s winter assistance,” UNICEF indicated.
Ettie Higgins, the UNICEF Deputy Representative to Lebanon, expressed gratitude to Japan for this assistance that will enable UNICEF “to provide much-needed support during the cold months to vulnerable children and families who are already facing challenges during these unprecedented times.”
The Ambassador Of Japan to Lebanon, Mr. Okubo Takeshi, said that his country is fully aware “of the gravity of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon where true victims are always vulnerable children and families.”
Ambassador Takeshi explained that “as they face the harsh winter conditions, Japan has decided to strengthen its interventions through UNICEF to alleviate their sufferings.”
“I hope they receive our message through the assistance that the international community will be there with you at all times,” he issued.
This contribution from Japan comes at a critical time when the harsh cold adds to the ravaging economic crisis. Many are enduring impossible financial hardships on a daily basis, unable to afford fuel or gas for heating and/or electricity.
Children are the most affected by the combination of these crises, as reported by Save The Children that just warned, once again, that kids in Lebanon are at grave risk of malnutrition due to families being forced to ration on nutrition.
