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Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian projects serving Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon as well as the host communities.
Building upon the successful bilateral coordination in 2015, the new deal is a step towards better joint planning and cooperation between the two parties.
The MoU was signed by Marco Succi, deputy head of ICRC Delegation in Beirut, and Omar Katerji, head of QRCS mission in Lebanon.
The agreement will help to coordinate efforts in medical care, relief, livelihood support, water and sanitation, and shelter to meet the humanitarian needs of both refugees and local community.
Appendices were also signed for thermal insulation and refugee housing rehabilitation projects in Beqaa, North Governorate, and Mount Lebanon Governorate.
QRCS Executive Director Fahad bin Mohammed al Naimi said,"QRCS has a partnership with ICRC in many effective projects to help our Syrian brothers living in Lebanon."
He appreciated the role of ICRC in this respect, thanking the Lebanese Red Cross for its facilitative contributions.
Fabrizio Carboni, head of ICRC delegation in Lebanon, said:"Millions of Syrian refugees suffer from the ongoing conflict. The deteriorating situation in Syria requires stronger coordination among the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in order to improve our efforts to alleviate the suffering of Syrian refugees in Lebanon."
The agreement with QRCS, Carboni added, is part of a nonstop response to meet the basic needs of the refugees.
Katerji said,"This agreement reflects the pattern of humanitarian intervention pursued by QRCS. We need to extend the positive impact of our interventions beyond seasonal needs, particularly during the cold winter. Thermal insulation of refugee tents ensures moderate temperatures both during summer and winter.
"The utility of thermal insulation and housing rehabilitation is expected to last for 18 to 30 months. Such projects support both Lebanon's national economy and the refugees by creating jobs, providing rents, minimising the cost of heating and raising the value of the rented property."
