Lazzarini will succeed Ross Mountain of New Zealand.

The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude to Mountain for “his leadership and distinguished service” in coordinating UN humanitarian and development efforts in Lebanon, particularly in response to the Syrian crisis, the UN spokesperson continued.

Syrian refugees have settled in all parts of Lebanon, putting a huge strain on already-stretched services and infrastructure.

Almost a fifth of the 1.2 million Syrians who have sought refuge in Lebanon live in informal settlements like Debane, a huddle of 23 makeshift shelters built from wooden planks and plastic sheeting and currently home to 30 Syrian families.