Ivo Freijsen
@IFreijsen
UNHCR, the UN @Refugees Agency Representative in Lebanon. @UNHCRLebanon
Always pleasant and important to meet and exchange with our close partner @Caritaslb. Collaboration with local partners more crucial than ever amidst sustained needs and sharply dropping funding levels.
As temperatures drop, UNHCR continues to support Lebanese families still displaced and those returning home. In Al-Ghandouriyah, South 🇱🇧 we distributed winter clothes and heaters to help families stay warm. Hear more from our colleague Hassan about how we’re helping 👇
❗ They died while helping others. In 2024, a record 356 humanitarians were killed. How many more will it take before we act? 🔴 Demand respect for International Humanitarian Law 🔴 Demand protection 🔴 Demand accountability Humanitarians are #NotATarget. Data: @HumOutcomes
The 2025 Lebanon Response plan, officially endorsed yesterday, includes for the first time a standalone chapter on return, reflecting a joint commitment to support safe & dignified refugee returns to Syria.
The 2025 LRP is more than an aid plan, it’s a joint platform to deliver services, reinforce 🇱🇧 institutions & promote stability. Yesterday’s Steering Committee @grandserail reaffirmed this. Grateful for Govt & partners’ leadership—and to donors for their continued support.
Interview with @ZeinakhodrAljaz via @AJEnglish also featuring @HaneenSayed_LB on the launch of the UNHCR-supported voluntary return programme, touching on opportunities but also existing challenges. youtu.be/9fueep6_XwA?si…
The UN has begun to provide Syrian refugees in #Lebanon with financial incentives to return home #Syria @UNHCR @IFreijsen @HaneenSayed_LB “the return has started especially since the fall of the regime … week after week we are seeing more returns taking place”
Thanks to 🇳🇱 @DutchMFA, UNHCR is able to deliver critical support to refugees & Lebanese communities in need. ⬇️ Watch how the PROSPECTS Partnership is making a difference in 🇱🇧 Lebanon.
Happy to receive UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador @YusraMardini at @UNHCRLebanon today. Yusra, a former refugee herself, continues to use her voice to passionately advocate for refugees & solutions to their plight. We discussed the situation in Syria, and the need to support returnees.
Today is #WorldRefugeeDay. I am spending it in Syria with some of the 600,000 people who have returned from neighbouring countries after 14 years of conflict. Syria today is where returning Syrians — given security, opportunities and support — can finally stop being refugees.
At a meeting with President Aoun of Lebanon, we discussed how to increase opportunities for Syrian refugees to return home. Many refugees have already made that choice. But for returns to be sustainable, Syria needs more and faster international support. @LBpresidency
Read UN High Commissioner for Refugees @FilippoGrandi 's statement from Beirut today👇 unhcr.org/lb/news/press-…
We are thankful for @UNHCRLebanon's long-term support and collaboration in co-leading & enhancing health sector coordination in🇱🇧. We look forward to continue working together as a sector partner to ensure equitable, inclusive, & sustainable health outcomes for all.
Yesterday, @UNHCRLebanon officially handed over health sector coordination to @WHOLebanon & @AmelNGO. Thank you for the key role co-leading the sector for years and the dedication to advancing equity & inclusiveness in health.
Norway’s Minister of Int’l Development @AsmundAukrust visited a UNHCR-supported community centre in Mount Lebanon to meet refugees and see Norway’s flexible funding in action. Flexible contributions help us respond where & when it matters most. Thank you 🇳🇴 for your partnership.
Thousands of people have fled Syria’s coastal areas following recent hostilities. Our teams are on the ground, listening to people’s harrowing stories, and providing assistance. 🚨Lack of funding is making even the most basic response difficult. More support urgently needed 🚨
A pleasure to exchange with Members of 🇳🇱 Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs. More int'l engagement critical especially now to support conditions for safe & durable return + continued solidarity with 🇱🇧 Thanks @DutchMFA for critical support under Prospects Partnership.
During my visit to Nabatieh & Tyre in South Lebanon yesterday, @UNHCRLebanon provided two 8,000 litre fire trucks to @CivilDefenseLB centers in affected areas to support their efforts. This is part of substantial support to 🇱🇧 since 2011 with a total value of approx. 500M USD.
In today’s meeting with H.E. Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, we explored ways to enhance cooperation and humanitarian efforts. We are grateful for the State of Qatar’s partnership in aiding the most vulnerable in Lebanon, including through @qatar_fund.
إجتمع سعادة الشيخ سعود بن عبد الرحمن آل ثاني سفير دولة قطر لدى الجمهورية اللبنانية اليوم مع السيد إيفو فرايسن، ممثل المفوضية السامية للأمم المتحدة لشؤون اللاجئين في لبنان برفقة وفد حيث جرى بحث سُبل تعزيز التعاون بين دولة قطر و UNHCR ومناقشة عدد من القضايا ذات الاهتمام المشترك
What are UNHCR’s Community Development Centres? And why are they important? Our colleague Carol explains in this video 👇
Read our latest flash update for information on UNHCR’s response and recent developments in Lebanon 👇 unhcr.org/lb/media/unhcr…
Q: What's in the 📦? A: In the South, UNHCR delivered wheelchairs and medical equipment to persons with special needs. Learn more about our support with Safaa 👇
We continue to support Lebanon’s healthcare sector. 🏥 UNHCR has provided fully equipped intensive care units and medical equipment to Saida Government Trauma & Emergency Hospital (Turkish Hospital). Learn more about the impact of our support 👇