About the Emergency
By the Numbers
An estimated 6,000 Syrians have been displaced
50% of Akkar’s population lives below the poverty line
(Source: UNCHR)
Thousands of Syrians fled to border regions to escape escalating violence.
On May 16 alone, more than 1,000 Syrians arrived in Bani Sakher, a village in the Akkar region of northern Lebanon. It is estimated that some 6,000 Syrian refugees were scattered throughout villages in Akkar at one point.
While in Akkar, many Syrians took refuge with relatives. Akkar is already an impoverished region, according to the Lebanon Millennium Development Goals report for 2008:
- 50% of the inhabitants in Akkar live below the poverty line.
- 60–70% of the residents do not receive any health insurance coverage.
- Most residents have difficulties in accessing proper health care due to financial constrains
Several organizations distributed food rations and basic materials to help alleviate the strains of an increasing population in an area with limited resources. Islamic Relief implemented a quick-effect project to address the urgent needs of the Syrian refugees and residents in Akkar.
How Islamic Relief Helped
IRUSA helped improve conditions for both the refugees streaming into Akkar and for the residents already living there.
Here are some ways Islamic Relief helped:
- Distributed food rations to alleviate hunger
- Supplied hygiene kits to help prevent the spread of illness
- Provided clothing to refugees who fled leaving their personal belongs behind
Refugees still in the area will receive food distribution services during Ramadan.
How You Can Help
Here are three ways you can help efforts like these.
