SIDON, Lebanon: A French minister on Sunday toured Sidon’s Ouzai complex, which hosts hundreds of Syrian families, reiterating her country’s support for refugee communities. Accompanied by French Ambassador Patrice Paoli, Annick Girardin, French minister of state for development and francophonie, inspected the complex’s infrastructure, sewage system, educational facilities and children’s playground.
A UNHCR field officer and representatives from Premier Urgence, a U.N.-partner agency that supervises the complex, were also present.
The delegation began their tour at a playground built with funding from the French government.
Girardin, who met and played with children, urged them to focus on their studies.
She later held a meeting with refugee families to hear their concerns. Those present said they were worried most about being evicted.
Syrian refugee families have been allowed to stay in the building until the end of the year in an agreement between the UNHCR and the building’s owner, following disputes.
The Ouzai complex is the largest center hosting Syrians in Sidon.
Ambassador Paoli promised refugees that he would continue to support their cause and assured them they would not be burdened with rent expenses.
Some of the children who met with Girardin explained that they have been separated from their parents for three years now, and asked to be moved to the Turkish-Syrian border to make reuniting with them easier.
Girardin expressed her concern for the status of Syrian refugee families but said she was hopeful they could overcome the difficulties they face.
She stressed that France, the EU, UNHCR, local partners and civil society groups were working to reduce the impact of the crisis by responding to the families’ needs.
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