UNHCR’s weekly report on the Syrian displaced: An increase in the number of early marriages amongst Syrian girls

UNHCR’s latest weekly report on Syrian refugees in Lebanon indicated an increase in the number of marriages of girls between 15 and 17 years of age.  These have been forced to stop working by their new husbands.  According to the testimony of Ared el Insan  Association to the UNHCR last June, 380 Syrian women and girls who are either survivor of violence or at risk, have visited the centres of the organization to receive psycho social support.  In addition, more than 150 adolescent girls and women have received hygiene kits during the month of June and as part of the women protection programme.  These kits help in providing some protection to women as they include torches and whistles to be used by young women walking alone in the dark and so that they can call for help if needed.  The kits also include supplies that allow women to move around safely.
The report further indicates that the total number of registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon now exceeds 568,000 people of whom 485,000 persons are registered and the rest awaiting registration.  The registered refugees are spread as follows: 174189 North of Lebanon, 164712 Bekaa, 86352 Beirut and Mount Lebanon, 59914 South of Lebanon.
Source: Al-Nahar 1 July 2013