Oxfam Lebanon Appeal

Oxfam has launched a �1 million humanitarian aid appeal for Lebanon.

The charity is focusing on delivering clean water, safe sanitation and improving public hygiene in the war-torn country.

A ten-strong Oxfam team has been in Lebanese capital Beirut for three weeks working with NGOs that the charity has funded to supply humanitarian aid.

Shaista Aziz, who works for the charity in Beirut, said it has helped 60,000 people with water and sanitation and plans to reach 200,000 people.

She said: "Many housing units have been affected. Around 15,000 apartment blocks and houses have been damaged by bombing in the country.

"It is absolutely paramount that we help the people of this country. It is important these people get what they need.

"After 33 days of war, large parts have been destroyed and devastated and it is very challenging to get aid into these places."

Before the ceasefire, the charity was working with displaced people in 30 schools in Beirut where Miss Aziz said 500 people were sharing two toilets.

The charity started an emergency assessment of the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Ms Aziz said: "The appeal money will go towards the initial crisis, stopping people becoming sick and, in the long term, helping people's livelihoods and those who need shelter. We are committed for at least two years."

To make a donation call 0870 3332500 or log on to the Oxfam website by clicking here:  www.oxfam.org.uk