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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/.

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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.

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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].

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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].

📣This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication📣

Do not participate in fraud and do not fall victim to fraud!

You have a responsibility to protect yourself and UNHCR from fraud!

Fraud has serious consequences including losing access to UNHCR assistance and other services!

Please note that ALL our services are ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE!

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

If you suspect UNHCR or partner staff involvement in fraudulent activities, please report it directly to UNHCR’s Inspector General’s Office, who investigates allegations against UNHCR and partners staff, through:

• Email: 📧[email protected]
• UNHCR’s website: Complaint Form

For more information on fraud, please consult our help page on https://help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/welcome/report-fraud/.

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High temperatures increase the risks of fire outbreaks, and present health risks, especially for older persons, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Here are a few important tips to help you stay safe:

What you can do to prevent fires:

• Keep electronic equipment, mirrors and other reflective items out of direct sunlight.
  • Make sure your mobile phones are uncovered and kept away from soft furniture when charging. Do also regularly check on your phone when it is charging.
  • Remove flammable materials such as piles of dust, leaves, sticks and cardboard from your living area they may ignite under strong direct sunlight.
  • Electrical cables can present a fire hazard, keep your cables tidy and do not overload sockets.

What you can do to stay healthy during a heat wave:

• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • If you must go outside during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat or use umbrella.
  • If you or someone you know experiences dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. To find the nearest supported Public Health Center click here https://help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/welcome/access-to-healthcare/primary-healthcare/ and go to question 2.

For more fire safety tips, please click here. You may also check the weather forecast for the coming days: Fire Forecasting (arcgis.com)

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Fraudsters pretending to be from UNHCR keep contacting refugees and promising access to resettlement through medical certificates!  They make you believe they will help you with translation and stamping if you pay them money!

Do not pay any money! Do not share any personal information or documentation! Note that fraudsters may also try to use your personal documents to scam other refugees in your name! Remember that all UNHCR and partner services are ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE!

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

For more information on this and other exploitation schemes, please check UNHCR Lebanon’s YouTube page.

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Fraudsters pretending to work with UNHCR are promising to facilitate visas and access to asylum in Canada. This is fraud! Do not fall victim to such fraudulent schemes! Do not share your personal information and documentation with anyone. Remember all UNHCR and partner services are free of charge. If you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 04726111 or send us an email at [email protected]  For more information, please visit the fraud page on the Help Lebanon website at help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/welcome/report-fraud/.   

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As of Monday 3 July 2023, the UNHCR National Call Centre phone number will change to 04726111. Please note that 01903014 will no longer be in use as of then.