UNHCR welcomes Italy’s support to facilitate sustainable returns and strengthen community engagement in Lebanon

BEIRUT, Lebanon 11 February (UNHCR) – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the contribution of EUR 1.5 million from the Government of Italy, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Lebanon.

With Italy’s support and in close coordination with Lebanese authorities, UNHCR will assist thousands of Syrian refugees to voluntarily return to Syria through a one-off cash grant to cover immediate return-related needs. This support will be complemented by family-level information, access to essential documentation and services prior to departure – all geared towards supporting sustainable reintegration in Syria.

The contribution will further strengthen the network of UNHCR-supported Community Development Centres across Lebanon, which help to sustain access to protection services, dissemination of up-to-date information, including on returns, as well as skills training, counselling and psychosocial activities for both refugees and host communities.

“We are truly grateful to Italy for standing by refugees and the communities hosting them. Receiving this support early in the year makes a real difference - it allows us to plan ahead with greater certainty and ensure that essential assistance continues without interruption. The support is particularly needed during this period of transition, where - after many years - refugees in Lebanon are making the decision to rebuild their lives back in Syria, while those with particular vulnerabilities still need assistance before returning”, said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Lebanon.

“This contribution is part of a broader regional contribution through which Italy supports voluntary, safe and dignified returns. Our aim is twofold: to provide refugees choosing to return to Syria with immediate, practical assistance, and to reinforce the architecture that remain vital for those who have not yet decided to return. We pursue this commitment in close cooperation with the Lebanese authorities and UNHCR, to help ensure that return pathways are genuinely sustainable and that essential services continue uninterrupted across affected communities”, said H.E Fabrizio Marcelli, Ambassador of Italy to Lebanon.

Italy’s support comes at a critical time, as refugees and host communities continue to face significant socio-economic challenges and risks. UNHCR remains committed to working with the Government of Lebanon, donors and partners to uphold international protection standards and advance durable solutions.

Media contact:

Dalal Harb, [email protected]