Islanders recently visited Syria and Lebanon to see how taxpayers’ money is helping families affected by conflict, displacement, economic crisis and natural disasters in the region.
Deputy Carolyn Labey, who chairs the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, and JOA executive director Ed Lewis went to the two countries to monitor and assess the impact of Jersey’s investment in the British Red Cross’s ‘Cash Hub’ programme.
Using this funding, the Syrian Arab Red Cross and Lebanese Red Cross provide cash and vouchers to households, allowing them to choose and buy what they need most while also supporting local markets.
In 2023, JOA allocated its first multi-year humanitarian grant – covering two years – to the British Red Cross Cash Hub. Syria was selected as one of the key countries in which to monitor the impact of this investment, given the progress in cash and voucher assistance.
The Jersey delegation meet the president and secretary general of SARC in Damacus and teams on the ground and recipient families in Aleppo.
In Beirut, JOA met the Disaster Management team of the LBC, whose volunteers have been at the forefront of humanitarian response amid Lebanon’s overlapping economic, political and security crises.
Jersey Overseas Aid has supported humanitarian action in Syria and Lebanon for more than a decade, including responses to the Syria conflict, the 2020 Beirut explosion and the 2023 earthquakes.
Deputy Labey said: “Seeing the scale of need in Syria and Lebanon, and the remarkable commitment of the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, underlines why Jersey continues to play its part as a responsible humanitarian donor.
“Our support through the Cash Hub is helping local teams respond rapidly and also affords dignity to those in desperate need. This visit reaffirms that long-term partnerships are essential for strengthening local capacity and trust, ensuring that assistance reaches those who would otherwise be left behind.
“From our engagements with partners, it is clear that refugees are not returning to Syria in the numbers previously anticipated. Many families are adopting a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, delaying any move until they are confident that the environment is safe and stable.
“Visiting the countries where we work gives us first-hand insight into the realities on the ground and helps us better understand the challenges faced by the people and communities we aim to support.”
Praxedes Merchan, Country Representative for Syria at the British Red Cross, said: “Through the Cash Hub, we’ve been able to give families in Syria and Lebanon the freedom to choose what they need most.
“This approach not only restores dignity but also strengthens local markets and resilience. JOA’s support has been critical in making this possible.”