EU approves $155m in aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan

The aid is expected to enable host countries to provide social protection, healthcare, education and sanitation to Syrian refugees, the EU said.

Lebanon is set to receive 98 million euros ($116m), while Jordan will get 32 million euros ($38m), the Anadolu news agency reported.

The support is also expected to aid Lebanon in its vaccination drive, as well as in its efforts to rebuild Beirut's port, following the August blast which devasted the area and affected both host communities and Syrian refugees.

"The EU will continue to do all it can to support the Syrian people, Syrian civil society, Syrian refugees and their host communities in neighboring countries. They deserve a brighter, safer and more prosperous future," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

"15 March 2021 sadly marks ten years since the start of the Syrian crisis. A tragic anniversary; one we would rather not have," Borrell added.

Read also: More than 75% of Syrian refugees suffer mental trauma: report

More than 500,000 people have been killed and millions displaced since the Syrian conflict began after the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Millions of Syrians fled across the border to neighbouring Jordan and Lebanon, where rights group say most live in "deteriorating conditions" across refugee camps.

At least 663,000 Syrian refugees are registered with the UN in Jordan, the vast majority of whom rely on humanitarian assistance to meet their most basic needs.

Lebanon says it hosts some 1.5 million Syrian refugees, around one million of whom are registered with the United Nations.

The Lebanese government has pressured refugees to return to Syria even though rights groups warn that the war-torn country is not yet safe.

The EU is expected to host a donor conference called "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region" on March 29 and March30.

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