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BFF-04
HEALTH-VIRUS-LEBANON-REFUGEES
Palestinian, Syrian refugees in Lebanon camps brace for virus
BEIRUT, April 5, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian and
Syrian refugees living in overcrowded and rundown camps in Lebanon are
bracing for the novel coronavirus as aid groups mobilise to help.
Lebanon is home to tens of thousands of Palestinians in camps that over the
decades have become bustling neighbourhoods, and at least 1.5 million Syrians
who have fled the war next door.
So far just one Palestinian, who lives outside a camp, and three Syrians
have tested positive for COVID-19 compared to 520 infections and 17 deaths
across Lebanon, according to officials.
But Palestinian and Syrian refugees who live in cramped quarters, including
tent camps where basic services like water are poor, are particularly
vulnerable to the illness.
“The main concern remains… the spread of coronavirus in the overcrowded
Palestine refugee camps where there are very limited possibilities for home
isolation,” said Huda Samra, a spokeswoman for the UN Palestinian refugee
agency UNRWA.
The agency, she said, is looking to set up “isolation centres” inside the
camps to quarantine anybody who needs it.
Similar structures are being set up for Syrians living in close quarters in
seas of canvas tents in the east of the country, the UN refugee agency UNHCR
says.
But deteriorating cases will have to be evacuated to Lebanese intensive
care units, where aid workers fear there may not be enough beds.
– More hospital wards –
Aid organisations have also been ramping up efforts to raise awareness
about basic hygiene among both the Syrian and Palestinian communities.
The Norwegian Refugee Council says it has increased water deliveries and
supplied soap and bleach to both.
Cars mounted with loudspeakers have been making the rounds of Palestinian
camps, blaring messages about hand washing and not touching one’s face.
An AFP photographer recently saw volunteers in sky blue protective suits
spray disinfectant in the gloomy narrow streets of the Shatila camp in
Beirut.
More than 174,000 Palestinians live in Lebanon, according to official
figures, with most residing in camps ruled by Palestinian factions beyond the
reach of Lebanese security forces.
But unofficial estimates say the Palestinians, whose forefathers fled the
creation of the state of Israel in 1948, could number as many as 500,000.
And out of the 1.5 million Syrians Lebanon says it hosts since the civil
war broke out in the neighbouring country nine years ago, nearly one million
are registered with the UNHCR as refugees.
Most of the Syrian refugees live in abject poverty and rely on handouts
from aid groups to survive.
In both communities, the United Nations has promised to pay for tests or
hospitalisation if the need arises.
And because any serious surge in cases among refugees would further burden
the Lebanese healthcare system, efforts are being made to strengthen existing
hospitals to face the pandemic.
“We are working with the ministry of public health to support hospitals,”
said UNHCR spokeswoman Lisa Abou Khaled.
“We will create additional wards with additional beds, including additional
intensive care units so there is sufficient response capacity for all
communities, Lebanese and refugees,” she said.
– ‘Discrimination’ –
Despite all these preparations, non-governmental organisations fear
discrimination against refugees will be an added challenge.
Lebanon has seen its population of 4.5 million swell by a third since the
start of Syria’s war in 2011.
Many Lebanese blame Syrian refugees for the nation’s economic woes and
authorities have often encouraged them to return home.
“Some media reports have made associations between refugees living in
unhygienic circumstances and the coronavirus,” said NRC’s advocacy and
information adviser in Lebanon, Elena Dikomitis.
“What is really important for us is to make sure people don’t start hiding
symptoms or shy away from seeking treatment because of the existing
discrimination and stigma.”
Human Rights Watch has said several Lebanese municipalities have imposed
curfews to restrict the movement of Syrian refugees because of the virus.
Such action, it warned, could further impede treatment.
Palestinians, who some Lebanese accuse of having sparked the 1975-1990
civil war, face work restrictions and — like many Syrian refugees — live
hand to mouth from daily wages.
Now a nationwide lockdown to stem COVID-19 has further battered the economy
and impeded their access to jobs, Palestinians have been clamouring for help.
As part of an emergency relief plan, the agency “will be distributing some
limited cash assistance in the coming weeks”, UNRWA’s Samra said.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0941 hrs