Struggle for Survival: Refugees Hit by Aid Cuts
Aid agencies have reduced cash transfers significantly, impacting refugees in Lebanon. Syrian families, like Amal al-Merhi's, rely on these funds to survive. With USAID funding frozen under President Trump's administration, the UNHCR and WFP have reduced assistance dramatically, leading to widespread insecurity and debt among refugees.
In the face of dwindling resources, aid agencies have been compelled to curtail cash assistance critically needed by refugees. Many such as Amal al-Merhi are confronted with dire conditions, highlighting the growing crisis in Lebanon. Al-Merhi's family, refugees from Syria, frequently struggle to afford essentials like milk and diapers for their young children.
The funding cuts stem from the freezing of USAID support by the former U.S. President's administration, reducing aid opportunities globally, including for the UNHCR and World Food Program in Lebanon. This has deeply affected countless Syrian refugees reliant on cash transfers, forcing many to seek loans that exacerbate their poverty.
Refugees are often compelled to consider dangerous alternatives to survive, such as labor exploitation or taking on dangerous debts. Despite challenging circumstances, families like al-Merhi's continue their fight for survival, collecting scrap metal to manage basic necessities as humanitarian organizations aim to stretch their limited resources.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News