NewsVision Update Middle East: Lebanon 
by Andrea Swinburne-Jones - Communications

A relief shipment carrying water purification units, water containers and hygiene kits for World Vision docked in Beirut last Sunday. The ship chartered by the World Food Programme hold cargo for a number  of INGOs. World Vision today is unloading its part, which will bring US$300,000 of relief supplies to some 45,000 people affected by the current conflict in the affected areas of Beirut and southern Lebanon.

Four more World Vision staff traveled aboard the WFP ship to assist the Lebanese World Vision team and the Global Rapid Response Team members already in country with the ongoing relief response.

"Even though this is the second relief shipment that World Vision has sent to Beirut, the need is still great.  World Vision helping 45,000 internally displaced people running from the fear of war may seem a large number, but when you compare with the 1 million people who have fled their homes, and have only minimal amount of food, water, clothing and bedding, then we really need greater support financially to help more people," said GRRT Logistics Manager, Mike Pattison.

"A further logistical challenge is accessing communities who have been isolated due to damaged infrastructure such as bombed roads and bridges," said Pattison.  Today's ceasefire should pave the path for easier and safer access.

World Vision has called upon the United Nations and the international community to use their influence to ensure immediate, safe and continuous access for humanitarian organisations to deliver necessary relief assistance in Lebanon.  World Vision has also called upon all parties engaged in this conflict to uphold obligations under international humanitarian law to provide access to humanitarian assistance for civilians in all areas impacted by the conflict.  

Some 30,000 people have already been assisted by World Vision Lebanon.  Distributions of food items, medicines, medical supplies and hygiene products to displaced people in 4 main areas have been conducted.

"The hygiene kits, adhering to Sphere Standards, include items such shampoo, soap, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, multi-detergent and sanitary items for women. Items will be distributed to internally displaced people in and around Beirut, " said GRRT relief associate, Judy Moore.

The 37 tonnes of relief supplies have been provided by two of World Vision's warehouses in Germany and Italy.  Some 16,000 collapsible water containers, 96,000 water purification tablets, 4 water purification units, 2,000 hygiene kits and medicine for 25,000 beneficiaries will assist families affected by the conflict in Lebanon. Three 4x4 DAF trucks and a 'Rubbhall' (portable warehouse) also form part of the cargo.