Since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in March 2011, more than three million
people have fled from the suffering brought by the war, seeking refuge in
neighboring countries. More than 1.2 million Syrians have come to Lebanon
and registered with UNHCR. In response, the United Nations, in partnership with
the Lebanese government and with the generous support of the international
community, have established one of the largest and most complex crisis
operations in the world, combining humanitarian assistance to the refugees
with progressively increasing support to the Lebanese host communities. The
Lebanese people, however, were the true first responders to the crisis, showing
remarkable solidarity by providing welcome, shelter, services and support, even
though in many cases their own needs were already high.