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Media Note
Additional United States Contribution to Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Other Conflict Victims in Lebanon and Neighboring Countries As part of his announced $230 million contribution to the people of Lebanon on August 21, 2006, President Bush made $13.5 million available from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to meet unexpected urgent humanitarian needs related to the conflict in Lebanon. This funding will provide protection and assistance in the form of food, blankets, shelter, emergency medical services and health care, hygiene kits, and other basic items for victims of the conflict in Lebanon. The State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration manages this emergency fund. Of the $13.5 million, $8.5 million will be contributed to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support protection and assistance; $5 million will support the United Nations agencies, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and non-govermental organizations performing urgent humanitarian assistance and protection programs in Lebanon and neighboring countries. This contribution is an addition to earlier donations of $5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross' emergency Lebanon appeal, and $5 million to the United Nations' Flash Appeal for Lebanon. Total Department of State humanitarian financial support to victims of the conflict in Lebanon now totals over $23 million. 2006/766 Released on August 24, 2006 |