Press Release

Media Quote by UN Humanitarian Coordinator about Increase of Civilian Casualties in South Lebanon

15 February 2024

Beirut, 15 February 2024 - Addressing the unfolding events in South Lebanon, where airstrikes have reportedly claimed numerous civilian lives, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, expressed deep concern, stating the following:

"The recent surge in hostilities and the reported airstrikes resulting in increasing civilian casualties are extremely concerning.

Among the victims are children, mothers, and grandparents.

The loss of innocent life is lamentable.

The rules of war are clear: Parties must protect civilians and these rules must be upheld. They are not a target."

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For more information, please contact the office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon:

Ms. Kristen Knutson, Head of Office - OCHA. E-mail: Knutson@un.org

Ms. Kawsar Fahs, Senior Communications Officer – OCHA. E-mail: Kawsar.fahs@un.org

Imran Riza

Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator

Imran Riza is the current UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon since the 1st of November 2022. Mr. Riza brings over 35 years of international experience across the United Nations System, mainly in field settings, including through his latest assignment as United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator. Mr. Riza holds a master’s degree in Social-Cultural Anthropology from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from McGill University. He is a national of Pakistan and is fluent in English, French, and Urdu.

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OCHA

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

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