Month: August 2023

As a refugee in Lebanon, it is your right to access basic services such as electricity. However, just as any other person living in Lebanon, it is your responsibility to pay for the electricity you consume.

UNHCR does not pay for electricity or the installation of meters to/by Électricité du Liban (EDL) on behalf of refugees.

Here are some tips to help you meet your obligations:

1. Payment of electricity bills:

The electricity bills provided by EDL should be paid to EDL officials /services providers. They visit the consumer’s place of residence to collect the payment.

If for any reason the collector is unable to collect the payment upon their first visit, they leave a notice informing you of their next visit.

If upon their second visit, they are still unable to collect the payment, you should approach the nearest EDL office to settle the bill as soon as possible to avoid any disruption in your electricity services. You should expect to pay extra fees for late payment.

In case your property owner or their delegate pays for electricity on your behalf, make sure to ask to see the electricity bill when paying the fees, where possible. This is to ensure that you are not overcharged, and you are keeping track of your consumption.

2. Keep proof of payment:

Always keep proof of payment, whether you are paying your bill directly to EDL or through your property owner or their delegate. This will protect you in case of disputes later.

3. Consequences of not paying:

Not paying electricity bills is a violation of law and has serious consequences including disruption of access to electricity. You may also face fines or other penalties.

4. Consequences of accessing electricity illegally:

Connecting illegally to electricity grids is a violation of law and can lead to fines and prosecution. It also presents a danger. When power grids become overloaded, there is increased risk of electrical fires or electrical shock.

5. Safety tips:

To stay safe:

• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• If you notice any damage, ask for help from a professional.
• Keep flammable objects away from electrical outlets.
• Unplug small devices and appliances when not in use.

For more fire safety tips, please visit this page on the Help Lebanon website.

To learn more about services and assistance provided by UNHCR, please visit the main page of the Help Lebanon website.

?This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication?

Fraudsters pretending to work for UNHCR are sending SMS’ promising resettlement. This is fraud!

UNHCR never communicates on resettlement via SMS, WhatsApp or any other social media platform!

Remember that services from UNHCR its partner are ALWAYS free of charge!

If you have been a victim of fraud or you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 04726111 or send us an email at [email protected].

?This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication?

Fraudsters pretending to work for the Red Crescent are contacting divorced and widowed women via WhatsApp promising cash assistance. Do not engage with them, they are trying to deceive you for their own profit!

You can protect yourself from exploitation or abuse, including of a sexual nature, by NEVER sharing your personal information with anyone you do not know!

If you have been a victim of fraud or exploitation, or you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at ?04726111 or send us an email at ?[email protected].

?This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication?

Do not believe anyone promising to facilitate resettlement or visas to other countries in exchange for money. This is fraud!

Do not share your personal information and documentation with anyone.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 04726111 or send us an email at [email protected].

To authenticate our WhatsApp messages, you can check the “Latest News” on the UNHCR Help Lebanon website at https://help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/latest-news/.

?This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication?

Yesterday, UNHCR and the Government of Lebanon issued a press statement on personal data sharing, informing that:

• An agreement has been reached between the two entities to share basic personal data in accordance with global data protection standards.

• The Government of Lebanon has committed not to use it for purposes contrary to international law.

• The Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of non-refoulement and its obligations under international and domestic law.

• The agreement also notes that UNHCR’s protection and assistance role in Lebanon will continue.

UNHCR already shares data with the Government of Lebanon for different purposes, to ensure needed protection and assistance. When you first approached UNHCR, we informed you that your basic biodata may need to be shared with the Government of Lebanon, recognizing its legitimate interest to know who is on its territory. The agreement builds on the ongoing collaboration between UNHCR and the Government of Lebanon.

?This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication?

Apply now to become a DAFI scholar at the Lebanese International University for the academic year 2023/2024! The deadline to apply is 14 August 2023. For more information, please visit: UNHCR Tertiary Scholarship Programme Online Platform (scholarshipsplatform.com). Please note that to access the link, you will need to create an account and log in.

To be considered for the DAFI scholarship program you must:

• Be known to UNHCR,
• Have a legal residency permit,
• Be equal to or below 22 years of age by the beginning of the academic year 2023-2024,
• Have completed or be expected to complete your secondary education by the fall of 2023,
• Have a Lebanese high school diploma or its equivalent obtained in Lebanon,
• Not have a university degree,
• Chose a major that is covered by the DAFI scholarship program and that can be completed within 3 academic years.

When submitting your application, make sure you attach all the required documents.

Follow the DAFI Lebanon Facebook page (DAFI Scholarship – Lebanon – Home | Facebook) for important updates. For any questions, please email [email protected].

?This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication?

Fraudsters pretending to work for UNHCR are falsely promising cash assistance to refugees who fill out an online survey. This is fraud!

Please do not fill out the questionnaire! These people want to cause you harm.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 04726111 or send us an email at [email protected].