MEPs visit Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon

28.03.2017 12:45

MEPs visit Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon

"Everything must be done to end the Syrian war, to end the bloodshed and bring peace to Syria, so that the millions of displaced persons can return to their homes and rebuild their lives," said György Hölvényi, co-Chair of the EPP Group's Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue activities, following the Group's recent mission to Lebanon.

Lebanon has a population of 4 million people but hosts 2 million refugees, including 1.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled the war in their home country György Hölvényi

"Lebanon has a population of 4 million people but hosts 2 million refugees, including 1.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled the war in their home country. We spoke to many refugees and aid workers representing the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), who oversee the informal settlements. Conditions are difficult for those who are far from their home. I met many brave and resilient people, and children who long to return to school and normal life," he continued.

Everything must be done to end the Syrian war, to end the bloodshed and bring peace to Syria, so that the millions of displaced persons can return to their homes and rebuild their lives

"We visited a Syrian refugee camp in Bar Élias, Beqaa Valley, where the UNHCR told us that refugees are receiving cash assistance of 175 dollars per family, per month, only for food. They also receive support under the World Food Programme. The land where these settlements are is rented by refugees from the locals. The refugees are paying rent for both the land and also electricity. In this camp in Beqaa valley, close to the Syrian border, they are both Christians and Muslims and come mostly from rural regions," reports Hölvényi.

Meeting representatives of different religious, institutional and political authorities

While in Lebanon, Mr Hölvényi led a delegation of EPP Group MEPS including Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, Željana Zovko, Lars Adaktusson and Lorenzo Cesa. They discussed the current political and religious situation, and that of refugees and neighbouring crises, in meetings with various representatives of different religious, institutional and political authorities and civil society. The persecution of Christians, the threat posed by terrorists, the Syrian war and fears for new crises in the Middle East and Lebanon topped the agenda of the meetings. The group also met with Michel Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon and Nabih Berri, President of the Lebanese Parliament.

The EPP Group continues to engage with representatives of different religions in the region, encouraging mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation

The mission was organised following an invitation from Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahï. Through intercultural and interreligious dialogue, the EPP Group continues to engage with representatives of different religions in the region, encouraging mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation.

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