Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: The Japanese government pledged a $5 million emergency grant in aid to Lebanon on September 4, in response to the massive chemical explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut on August 4.

This aid follows the emergency assistance that was previously decided by the government on August 7.

The provision of the grant aims to provide humanitarian assistance in areas such as food security, shelter, and health for Lebanese citizens and refugees inside the country, through World Food Programme, who will be given 1.5 million USD, United Nations Children’s Fund who will be given 1.3 million USD, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who will be given 1 million USD, and International Committee of the Red Cross. 

The foreign ministry in Tokyo explained that the expected outcome of this grant includes the maintenance of equipment, facilities, and storages for food imports in the Port of Beirut to ensure Lebanese citizens with food security.

It also aims on repairing one central supply drug warehouse and three primary health care centers in order to allow continued provision of health services, immunization, as well as the mental health care of 300,000 people, including expectant and nursing mothers, children and adolescents.

Furthermore, the aid will provide medical equipment and building repair to 13 hospitals, two emergency medical service facilities, emergency weatherproofing kits for approximately 850 households, support to repair shelters for 160 households, and protection response to approximately 430 people with special assistance needs, including those with disabilities and the elderly.

A statement by the foreign ministry in Tokyo said Japan hopes that the Government of Lebanese Republic will implement the administrative, financial and judicial reforms in a swift and transparent manner and achieve sustainable growth. Japan will continue to cooperate with the international community in order to aid the country in overcoming this crisis.