Credit: Jamal Sabri / Association Najdeh
With limited ability to even keep themselves warm this winter, the peace of this season is distant for refugees. Many people living in refugee camps have only basic shelters, many of which offer only minimal protection from the cold.
At night, when temperatures plunge, fuel burning heaters are the only way for families to stay warm. With employment opportunities extremely limited for refugees, especially in the winter months, many are forced to make impossible choices between food and fuel.
Conflict and unrest in surrounding countries, as well as in Lebanon itself, has driven a large number of refugees to take up long term residence in tented settlements.
Credit: Jamal Sabri / Association Najdeh
CAFOD has been working alongside partners in Lebanon since the 1980s, supporting vulnerable communities.
Our partners are continuing to respond to the urgent needs of those affected by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including many Syrian and Palestinian refugees. Although a ceasefire is currently in place, Lebanon continues to face a growing humanitarian crisis. Winter is a particularly challenging time for refugee communities. Refugees are in a state of constant uncertainty and worry because of the impacts of conflict and displacement.
Mariam* (pictured) is just one Palestinian in Lebanon trying to survive the winter. She tell us that she is 72 and her husband is 84. He used to be a painter in Damascas, Syria. During the war everyone fled but she didn't have money so she stayed. A large number of refugees like Mariam have taken up long-term residence in temporary settlements. But at this time of year the winter is relentless .
Winter is harsh here ... Every year, around these days, snow piles high. I'm wearing this jacket and sitting outside to spare some fuel.
How your gift helps
£12,000 can provide 300 food packages, each containing enough food for a family for one month, so that they can save money for fuel and other urgent expenses.
£9,000 can pay for 900 blankets so that families can still keep warm when there is not enough fuel.
£5,000 could provide ten families at risk from the winter weather with enough fuel to keep their home warm for one month.
Credit: Jamal Sabri / Association Najdeh
Fatima, a social worker with partner Najdeh
Expert support workers like Fatima are providing constant support to help people struggling with the bitter temperatures. Fatima* grew up in the same camp Mariam lives in, and now works for
our partner as a social worker.
She helps assess the needs of her neighbours and provide support to families like Mariam’s by distributing fuel and other essentials in this harsh and remote environment. Fuel is a pressing need because it's very expensive, and families are unable to secure a fuel barrel or two for their children.
This work gives me great joy. This is what makes my day; being able to help even one little child, help them with a service or something they need. That makes me feel like I own the entire world.
Credit: Jamal Sabri / Association Najdeh
"My name is Fatima, I’m 28 years old and a Palestinian refugee. I live in a refugee camp in Lebanon. My family, my grandparents, were born in Palestine. I joined the organisation eight years ago. Because I was born in the camp, and I’m part of the community, I know the struggles of every household. I know the struggles of Palestinian children, the struggles of people here. Almost 90% of people cannot obtain the basic winter necessity that is heating fuel. This is because fuel is too expensive for them to afford. The cold in the camp causes severe cases of the flu because people cannot find warmth.
"Sometimes families substitute fuel with layering up with blankets or jackets in order to stay warm and avoid sickness. during this cold, many families cannot afford fuel nor food for their children at the bare minimum. But... we didn't choose to be in this place, we are forced to be here."
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* Names have been changed