Beirut 13 November 2015-- The Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, last Saturday made a sudden and brief visit to the Nabaa neighborhood, which falls within the Municipality of Bourj Hammoud in order to take a closer look at the living conditions of Syrian refugees and how this impacts Lebanese host communities especially the most vulnerable and marginalized.

The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) team in Lebanon welcomed Solberg and the accompanying delegation, and presented, through implemented programs in the area, the challenges and pressing needs due to the Syrian crisis especially in relation to the lack of basic services including water, electricity, solid waste management, pressure on sewage networks, and the rise in demand for affordable housing for rent despite the lack of adequate and safe living conditions.

In addition to the Ambassador of Norway in Lebanon, Solberg was accompanied by various Norwegian press representatives, who were also able to assess the conditions of refugee families in addition to the problems and needs at the community level.