IOM Lebanon yesterday began a distribution of rechargeable LED
lamps and personal hygiene kits in the Bekaa Valley to refugees
displaced by the conflict in neighbouring Syria.

The 1,750 lamps, needed due to regular power outages, and the
100 hygiene kits, will be handed over to beneficiaries identified
by IOM and a local partner - the Coalition of Charities for the Aid
of Syrians Displaced in the Bekaa Valley. The distribution is
expected to take place over the next two weeks.

The hygiene kits, which comprise bathing and laundry soap,
sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, wash cloths,
razors, shaving cream, combs, plastic buckets and jerry cans, will
be distributed to refugees in the Bekaa town of Baalbeck.

Some 8,594 displaced Syrians are now registered with UNHCR in
North Lebanon, with an estimated 1,200 families or 6,254 people in
the Bekaa.

IOM is expecting to launch a second distribution of non-food aid
on April 23rd and is currently carrying out a needs assessment on
the ground.

Both distributions will be funded through IOM's EPA Emergency
Preparedness Account, which allows it to carry emergency needs
assessments and operations prior to receiving donor funding.

For more information please contact:

Othman Belbeisi

IOM Beirut

Tel: +961 70 664611

E-mail: "mailto:obelbeisi@iom.int">obelbeisi@iom.int