Italian Minister visits Palestine refugees displaced from Syria – UNRWA press release

Italian Minister for International Cooperation and Integration meets Palestine refugees displaced from Syria

13 April 2013
Beirut

الوزير الإيطالي للتعاون الدولي يزور مخيم شاتيلا ويلتقي لاجئين فلسطينيين نازحين من سوريا

The Italian Minister for International Cooperation and Integration, Andrea Riccardi, has visited Shatila refugee camp near Beirut to meet with Palestine refugees displaced from Syria and witness first-hand their difficult living conditions.

On a tour of the camp, Minister Riccardi met with Palestine refugee families who have fled the on-going violence in Syria. The families talked about the displacement and suffering they have experienced as a result of the conflict. They described the challenges they face as second-time refugees in Lebanon, especially housing requirements and the lack of affordable basic necessities.

Minister Riccardi was accompanied by the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E Giuseppe Morabito, the Director of the Italian Cooperation Office in Lebanon, Guido Benevento, and UNRWA’s Director of Operations in Lebanon, Ann Dismorr.

Ann Dismorr thanked the visitors for the support provided to the refugees by the government and people of Italy, saying: “We are very thankful for Italy’s continued support for Palestine refugees in Lebanon. Today’s visit is very important in highlighting the situation of Palestine refugees who have fled from Syria to Lebanon.

“The urgency of responding to their vulnerable situation and providing them with assistance cannot be over-emphasised.”

Italy has been especially active in supporting the health sector and sports activities for Palestine refugees in Lebanon. In particular, it has been a pioneer in supporting reforms currently being undertaken by UNRWA to improve health care coverage. In 2012, Italy contributed EUR 1 million to support UNRWA’s health reform efforts in Lebanon. Italy remains the leading contributor to that reform effort.