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The
Refugees |
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Two categories of
refugees exist in Lebanon, and represent more than 10% of the total population
of the country: Palestinian refugees and non-Palestinian refugees. Two specific
UN Bodies cover each category: the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works
Agency for Palestine Refugees) and the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees).
2,672 refugees were recognized to be
refugees by UNHCR at the end of 2000, whereas in early 1998, UNHCR was
helping to protect and assist a total of 3,191 refugees, including 1990 Iraqis,
550 Afghans, 284 Sudanese, 152 Somalis and 215 refugees from other countries.
UNHCR tries to ensure the protection of
refugees under its own statute. In conjunction with local NGOs, particularly
the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), UNHCR also promotes asylum through
refugee law seminars and workshops. Lebanon then allows refugees, recognized by
UNHCR, to stay in Lebanon, but only on a temporary basis without any prospects
of integration. Since Lebanese authorities deny refugees the access to
employment, UNHCR meets their most basic and immediate needs.
In addition to refugees covered by the
UNHCR, there are 376,472 Palestine refugees who sought asylum in Lebanon. They
are assisted by the UNRWA.
UNRWA provides education, health,
relief and social services to 376,472 Palestine Refugees in Lebanon, 210,715
of them live in 12 official camps. Unlike other United Nations
organizations, which work through local authorities or executing agencies,
UNRWA plans and carries out its own activities (such as schools and clinics)
and provides its services directly to Palestine refugees.
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