Clashes between rival factions within the Ein el Hilweh camp, the most important in Lebanon, has additionally displaced 1000’s of refugees, based on studies.
Armed teams have taken over eight faculties run by UNRWA, the UN company offering assist to Palestine refugees, stopping round 6,000 kids from accessing the classroom as a brand new college 12 months will get underway.
‘Protected and impartial areas’
“Training establishments should be secure and impartial areas, crucial for kids’s studying, well-being, and development,” Imran Riza, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, stated in a press release.
He underscored that use of faculties by armed teams usually are not solely a severe violation of worldwide humanitarian and human rights legal guidelines but in addition jeopardize the way forward for your entire neighborhood.
“I urge armed teams to cease the preventing within the camp and vacate these faculties instantly.”
“I additionally name for the facilitation of the work of UNRWA and different humanitarian organizations to offer much-needed safety and help to households in want within the camp,” Mr. Riza added.
Historical past of brutal clashes
Established in 1948, Ein el Hilweh camp is the most important among the many 12 in Lebanon and is dwelling to round 50,000 refugees. It’s situated close to Saida, a significant metropolis and cultural hub, within the nation’s south.
The camp was the scene of brutal clashes in July that claimed the lives of at the least 13 folks, injured greater than 60 – together with UNRWA workers – and compelled 1000’s to flee.
Two UNRWA faculties additionally sustained harm within the clashes and providers at clinics run by the company have been suspended. The clinics reopened on 9 August, after a nervy ceasefire.
Safety a ‘shared duty’
In his assertion, Mr. Riza underlined that defending civilians, together with kids and their secure entry to high school, is a shared duty.
“All involved actors should take motion to guard civilians, facilitate unhindered humanitarian entry, and stop the usage of civilian infrastructure for preventing functions,” he stated.
