A Syrian refugee in Lebanon has set himself on fire and killed himself in despair over his financial situation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The man died of third degree burns in the hospital, reported the Lebanese state news agency NNA. Local aid organization Lebanese Beyond said today that because of the crisis in Lebanon, the Syrian no longer had the money to support his family.
900,000 Syrians in Lebanon
According to the UN, Lebanon has more than 900,000 Syrians who fled the neighboring country before the civil war. In terms of population, the country is home to the most refugees. Their actual number is likely to be much higher.
For many Syrians, the situation in Lebanon is hopeless because they can often only work as day laborers or not at all. They have had tough times because of CoV and are facing an uncertain future, said Lebanese Beyond director Maria Assi.
The country is suffering from a severe financial and economic crisis, which is exacerbated by the pandemic. Many people have lost their jobs. To date, Lebanon has reported 541 corona cases and 19 deaths. Public life largely stands still.
The Syrian had lived on the Bekaa plain in eastern Lebanon. He poured gasoline over himself and set himself on fire, NNA reported.
