Beirut: UK Minister for International Development, Jenny Chapman, has concluded a significant two-day visit to Lebanon, marking her first visit as a Minister. The visit was conducted alongside her French and Qatari counterparts, highlighting the urgent call for de-escalation and demonstrating the collective support from the UK, France, and Qatar for Lebanon. The visit emphasized their commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance in partnership with the Lebanese government.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Baroness Chapman announced a substantial £13 million UK humanitarian package aimed at providing essential support to those affected by the ongoing crisis. This funding will facilitate the delivery of critical services, including protection, education, healthcare, food, and other basic necessities. This recent announcement brings the total UK support to Lebanon since March to £43 million.
During the visit, Development Minister Chapman, accompanied by Ambassador Hamish Cowell, met with key Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed. These meetings underscored the UK's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and state institutions. Additionally, the minister expressed optimism about recent direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, emphasizing diplomatic efforts as the most effective path to achieving lasting peace and stability.
Baroness Chapman, along with her French and Qatari counterparts, visited UK-funded programs in Beirut and Saida, where they engaged with the Government's Disaster Risk Management Unit and the Lebanese Red Cross. These organizations are at the forefront of the nationally coordinated response to the humanitarian crisis. The minister praised the dedication of healthcare workers and first responders, condemning any attacks on individuals performing such critical roles and urging all parties to ensure their protection under International Humanitarian Law.
The delegation also collaborated with UNICEF Country Representative Marcoluigi Corsi to visit a shelter in Jnah for families displaced by the recent conflict escalation. Baroness Chapman witnessed how UK and partners are aiding the Government-led response to provide essential education and protection services to displaced children and families.
In Saida, the minister visited Al Murjan High School, which serves as a shelter for displaced families, and learned from UKISF partner ABAAD about the challenges of Gender-Based Violence amid the conflict. With UKISF support, ABAAD has delivered psychological first aid, enhanced shelter safety systems, and conducted Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) sessions for women and girls.
Baroness Chapman, joined by French minister onore Caroit, also visited a shelter in Saida alongside Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza and UNOCHA's Representative Kristen Knutson. There, she observed the impact of the humanitarian crisis and saw how UK support through the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund is providing critical resources such as water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, and food assistance to vulnerable populations.
At the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) center, the minister, along with French minister onore Caroit, learned about the LRC's frontline role and the conflict's impact on southern Lebanon. The UK, through the British Red Cross, is enhancing LRC's crisis preparedness. Minister Chapman handed over eight UK-funded ambulances to the Red Cross, in the presence of LRC Secretary General George Kettaneh and the British Red Cross.
The visit also included a meeting with a displaced family benefiting from UK support. Through the World Food Programme, the UK is aiding the Government of Lebanon's Shock Responsive Social Safety Net, providing a vital lifeline amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Minister for Development Jenny Chapman emphasized the importance of the US-Iran agreement for regional stability and the need for its implementation to create conditions for lasting peace, including an end to hostilities in Lebanon. She condemned the reckless escalation by Israel and Hizballah's attacks, stressing the need for stability and a robust ceasefire in Lebanon.
Ambassador Hamish Cowell highlighted the critical timing of Baroness Chapman's visit and reiterated the UK's commitment to coordinating with the Government of Lebanon and humanitarian partners to address the ongoing challenges. He called for urgent de-escalation and adherence to the ceasefire and international humanitarian law.