International Medical Corps Global Ambassador Sienna Miller is in Lebanon to raise awareness about the ongoing Syria crisis – now well into its fourth year – and the enormous impact the war is having on both Syrian refugees and the communities in Lebanon that are assisting them. The estimated 1.1 million Syrians in Lebanon now comprise more than one-fourth of the country’s total population, putting a huge strain on Lebanon’s scarce resources. Lebanon hosts more Syrian refugees than any other country.
“These Syrian families have lost loved ones, their homes and livelihoods, and witnessed unspeakable horrors,” Miller said. “Throughout the crisis the true First Responders in Lebanon have been the host communities. It is the people of Lebanon who generously provided space, shared food and access to water, opened their health centers and their schools.”
“The most vulnerable include pregnant women, and children under the age of five who have not received vaccinations for years during the war. There is also a severe risk of disease outbreaks in the settlements, where access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation is extremely challenging. Groups like International Medical Corps and donors such as the European Commission are achieving incredible things but it is important that the world does not forget about Syria’s refugees or their hosts in Lebanon.”
Earlier this year, Miller joined European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva to launch the First Responders Campaign, a collaboration between International Medical Corps and the European Commission to celebrate humanitarian first responders in places like Lebanon who are saving lives every day.
“International Medical Corps and donors such as the European Commission support local communities around the world in being their own best First Responders. I am doing all I can to stand behind these heroic individuals and raise awareness of the lifesaving work they are doing every day.”
About the First Responders Campaign:
The First Responders 2014 campaign, spearheaded by International Medical Corps in partnership with the European Commission is a celebration of the millions of unsung heroes around the world who respond to global disasters every day. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of resilience in reducing the impact of humanitarian disasters.