Poor response from Irish to Lebanon charity appeal

The Government and aid agencies called on the public today to give more generously to appeals for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese families have fled their homes in the 24-day offensive, which has killed over 900 Lebanese people and around 70 Israelis.

Minister of State for Development, Co-operation and Human Rights Conor Lenihan today met with Christian Aid, Concern, Dochas, Oxfam, Red Cross, Trócaire, Unicef Ireland and World Vision at Iveagh House.

The Government, which has already allocated €2m in official aid, called on the public to give more generously to public appeals.

Aid agencies have reported a poor response, possibly due to the political nature of the conflict and the uncertainty that aid can get through to where it is needed.

Mr Lenihan said: “Internationally so far there has been a slow response to this crisis because I think people perceive it in political conflict terms but there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

“The public infrastructure is the biggest problem with hundreds of thousands of people huddled into badly-maintained camps.

“There is a real danger according to the UN of diseases like cholera breaking out.”

Mr Lenihan said the Irish Government would continue with political and diplomatic efforts to ensure all possible humanitarian corridors will be left open for the safe delivery of aid.

He noted that Irish NGOs were working in difficult and dangerous circumstances through partner groups.

Unicef Ireland said it has received only €50,000 in response to its public appeal launched more than two weeks ago.

Deputy director Thora Mackay said: “To date we’ve raised €50,000 which is a lot less than we would have raised in the same period of time for the Niger food crisis.

“There is definitely a slowdown in public response. The media focus has been on the political situation and less so on the humanitarian situation.

“There may also be a nervousness on the part of the public that the aid is not getting though. But it is getting in, albeit slowly.”

Ms Mackay explained that children make up about half of the people forced to flee their homes and villages.

“Unfortunately in a crisis like this children are most at risk and they represent 45% of the internally displaced people,” said Ms Mackay.

“Many of the causalities have been children as well.

“As well as suffering the traumatic experiences, children have the loss their homes, schools and local parks.”

Unicef is providing counselling service to children such as drawing exercises to express what they have experienced.

The NGO is also providing clean water and high-nutrition biscuits as well as family kits comprising of essentials like soap, blankets and cooking utensils.

Emergency drug supplies and generators are also being sent to hospitals and makeshift medical centres.

Mr Lenihan said the Government would continue to liaise on the issue with NGOs and other partner organisations like the UN and International Red Cross.

“We have very serious concerns for the welfare of the hundreds of thousands of people who have already been displaced and the many others who are effectively trapped in their homes.

“It is critical that these people have access to adequate shelter, sanitation and clean water.”