While international NGOs, including Islamic Relief Canada, met the emergency needs of residents following the disaster, Lebanon is still facing ongoing crises today.
“During my three-month humanitarian trip to Beirut in spring 2021, I witnessed people living in extreme poverty due to the economic crisis, high unemployment and a weak currency, all of which have diminished the ability of people to buy basic necessities such as food and hygiene items,” says Aminah Arab, senior program officer of the Middle East region for Islamic Relief Canada.
“Many people can’t afford basic health care, a sector which is also suffering due to ongoing electricity cuts caused by fuel shortages. Life in the country is becoming more of a struggle with every passing day, which is why the work of NGOs continues to be crucial going forward.” Islamic Relief Canada, as a member of the Humanitarian Coalition and with the support of the Canadian government’s matching fund and Canadian donors, raised $3 million for Lebanon last year. In the immediate aftermath, our Lebanon field office and a team sent from Canada were at the scene to assess the situation, provide aid and support those affected.
Since August 2020, Islamic Relief Canada has helped more than 9,000 people in Lebanon through projects such as rebuilding homes, repairing water tanks, providing livestock and feed, and distributing hygiene kits.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Sanam Islam, communications manager, at [email protected] or 437 970 5656.
About Islamic Relief Canada Islamic Relief Canada is a registered charity in Canada and a prominent Muslim NGO that works in more than 30 countries to provide humanitarian relief and build resilient, prosperous communities. Visit islamicrelief.ca for more information.
About the Humanitarian Coalition The Humanitarian Coalition brings together 12 leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during international humanitarian disasters.