Humanitarian group cares for Syrian refugees

Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria when the first waves of refugees began to flee into Lebanon, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has assisted the Lebanese Red Cross.

More than 17,000 Syrian refugees who crossed to Lebanon have been assisted by the ICRC which has been providing food and other necessities. The ICRC has also established a temporary first-aid station near the border which has helped to evacuate more than 500 wounded to hospitals in northern Lebanon.

Chief Spokesperson for the ICRC in Lebanon Samar El Kadi spoke with Vatican Radio’s Davide Maggiore about the humanitarian situation for the refugees.

It is a difficult humanitarian situation, El Kadi said, “because the refugees, when they come into Lebanon, they are fleeing their country. They have nothing. You have to provide for them for everything.”

It is also difficult because they are being hosted by families in Lebanon who are themselves poor. “This of course places lots of pressure on the Lebanese themselves who are helping or hosting the Syrian refugees.”

“The more refugees there will be, the bigger the problem will be, and this is a matter of concern for all international organizations.”

Listen to Chief Spokesperson for the ICRC in Lebanon Samar El Kadi's full interview with Vatican Radio’s Davide Maggiore: