(Washington, D.C., 5/30/2011) Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has announced the launch of its Syrian humanitarian campaign to aid civilians fleeing violence to neighboring Lebanon. According to Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), more than 6,000 Syrians have fled the escalating violence, heading to the Akkar region of Lebanon.
Akkar faces difficulties in absorbing these refugees: It is an impoverished region of Lebanon where more than 50% of inhabitants live under the poverty line and 60%-70% have difficulty accessing health care. Many of Akkar’s residents used to cross the border into Syria for work and medical care; the conflict has removed these options.
Arriving in this environment with only the clothes on their backs, most Syrian refugees have to fend for themselves, struggling to find food and shelter. Supplies provided by Lebanese relief organizations are already running short amid the increasing numbers of refugees crossing the border area. IRUSA plans to distribute urgent food items, water, hygiene items and clothing to displaced Syrians and host families.
Islamic Relief USA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Asma Yousef
Public Relations Representative
(703) 582-5880
ayousef@irusa.org