The return home of Lebanese who fled hostilities a challenge to humanitarian aid

Representing the EU Presidency, Paula Lehtomäki, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, ended her three-day visit to Lebanon on Wednesday, 16 August. Minister Lehtomäki, who visited the country together with Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, became acquainted on Wednesday with the work done by the distribution centre of the World Food Programme (WFP) and with the overall situation in the environs of Beirut.

“In response to the ceasefire that began on Monday morning, tens of thousands of Lebanese have started returning to their homes. The extent and speed of their return have come as a surprise to all actors, and constitute a great challenge for aid organisations as they strive to meet changing demands. Now is a time for action. The UN and the EU must be able to increase the efficiency of their work so that stable conditions can be guaranteed,” the minister stated.

In Beirut, Lehtomäki met with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Social Minister Nayla Mouawad and Nabil Jisr, the Prime Minister's advisor for reconstruction planning.

Lehtomäki stressed to Prime Minister Siniora that alongside seeking a solution for the situation in Lebanon, we must strive to devise a holistic solution for achieving peace in the Middle East. Siniora confirmed his Government’s commitment to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The delivery of humanitarian aid and the planning of reconstruction are in full swing, too, and these activities call for the help of the international community. Lehtomäki and Michel stated that the EU is Lebanon’s partner in this process. Several Member States are also prepared to take part in the Unifil operation.

Social Minister Mouawad said that people’s wish to return to their home towns immediately after the cessation of hostilities had come as a surprise even to the Lebanese authorities. Humanitarian aid and reconstruction needs are still undefined, especially in Southern Lebanon.

The meeting with international aid organisations and local representatives of national associations highlighted the active and important role of local actors right from the onset of the conflict. The immediate challenges now are linked with the building of housing and shelters for Lebanese returning to their home towns.

Lehtomäki also discussed the situation in Lebanon with representatives of local youth organisations.

Additional information: Pirjo-Liisa Heikkilä, Press Attaché to the Minister, tel. +358 9 1605 5356