Beirut, 21 March 2019 – The government of Japan has renewed its commitment to the Lebanese WASH sector with an additional USD2,6 million funding to support children and their families affected by the Syrian crisis. Anchored to a recent child survival funding, Japan’s commitment will ensure an increased access to safe water and will improve child heath, sanitation and environmental conditions for more than 100,000 Lebanese and non-Lebanese children and families living in in informal settlements and vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The additional funding was announced following a visit to the AL Ghadir wastewater treatment plant – the largest in the region targeting more than 60,000 beneficiaries – and a meeting at the Union of Municipalities in Beirut southern suburbs attended by the head of the Union of the Municipalities, Mr. Mohammad Dergham, the Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Lebanon Mrs. Violet Speek Warnery and members of the press.
Ambassador Yamaguchi said “I strongly hope the new USD 2.6 million grant will help improve the living conditions of local and refugee communities through UNICEF’s WASH activities. I believe the past and upcoming projects, funded by Japan and implemented by UNICEF, are vital for promoting socio-economic development in Lebanon.” Ambassador Yamaguchi finally reiterated Japan’s continued support for the agency’s ongoing efforts to aid vulnerable individuals across the country.
The government of Japan has a long-standing partnership with UNICEF since the beginning of the response to the crisis in 2012, with an overall engagement of more than USD 28 million to the WASH, education, child protection, health and nutrition, and cash assistance.
“We are very grateful to the Government and the people of Japan; these funds will help us strengthen ongoing response efforts to assist Lebanese and non-Lebanese children and their families in host communities,” said Violet Speek Warnery, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Lebanon. “This contribution is a tangible demonstration of Japan’s commitment to safeguard children’s future and enhance their resilience”.
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