Beirut: Members of the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC), led by Chair Rt Hon Dame Emily Thornberry MP, visited Lebanon from June 23-24 to evaluate the humanitarian, political, and security challenges the country and the wider region are facing. The delegation comprised MPs Alan Gemmell, Abtisam Mohamed, and Edward Morello.
According to National news agency – Lebanon, the visit focused on the severe consequences of the conflict between Israel and Hizballah on civilians in Lebanon, the conditions confronting Syrian refugees and host communities, and initiatives aimed at supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, as well as Lebanon’s long-term stability and security.
During their visit, the FAC met with notable Lebanese leaders including President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri. The delegation also engaged with the Lebanese British Friendship Parliamentarian Committee, international partners, and communities affected by conflict.
The program included discussions on various critical issues such as the protection of civilians, international humanitarian law, humanitarian access, and the support for refugees and vulnerable host communities. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of sustainable political and security solutions for Lebanon.
The delegation visited a UKISF-funded Border Operating Base, one of 86 such positions provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces on the Lebanese-Syrian border since 2013. This visit highlighted how UK funding is bolstering border security, extending state authority, and safeguarding border communities.
In the town of Saadnayel, the FAC met with Syrian displaced families receiving UK aid via the World Food Programme and visited a UNICEF Makani multi-service community centre. This centre supports the most marginalized children with non-formal education and child protection services.
At the Lebanese Red Cross centre in Zahle, the FAC learned about the impact of the conflict on first responders and received briefings on UK support in collaboration with the British Red Cross and Lebanese Red Cross, which is enhancing crisis preparedness.
Overall, the visit provided insights into how the UK government is delivering critical assistance to people affected by the crisis in Lebanon and furthering efforts to fortify Lebanese security and sovereignty.