NNA - The dangerous escalation of the conflict in Lebanon has led to a rapidly deteriorating situation for children with needs outstripping the speed at which humanitarian agencies can respond with lifesaving interventions, UNICEF warned today as it launched its appeal for USD $105 million over the next three months.
The funds are urgently needed to deliver critical supplies to children in desperate need, maintain critical services in Lebanon – including the provision of safe water, psychosocial support and learning - and prepare for any potential further escalation in hostilities.
Since the beginning of October 2023, over 100 children have been killed, with more than half of these deaths occurring in the past week alone, according to the Ministry of Public Health.UNICEF estimates more than 300,00 children have been displaced from their homes. Displaced families do not have enough access to water, food, blankets, medicine, and other essential supplies. These children are living in a nightmare, grappling with fear, anxiety, destruction and death—trauma that could have lifelong consequences.
“The escalation in hostilities is catastrophic for all children in Lebanon”, said UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder. “It has instilled an unimaginable fear in their lives as they are surrounded by uncertainty and violence. Countless children remain in great danger, exposed to ongoing attacks, forced displacement and unable to rely on an overstretched and under-sourced healthcare system. UNICEF is responding to the most critical and immediate needs of children in Lebanon but requires urgent support to sustain and expand its response.”
In the past week, UNICEF has significantly scaled up its operations to address the immediate needs of children and families affected by this crisis. Working closely with the Lebanese government, UNICEF and its partners have reached over 50,000 individuals in more than 200 collective shelters across South Lebanon, Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North Lebanon, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel governorates. UNICEF has supplied families at shelters with drinking water, mattresses, sleeping bags, blankets, hygiene, dignity and baby kits and the provision of health, child protection, nutrition and psychosocial support services.
In September, UNICEF delivered around 100 tons of emergency medical supplies to hospitals and healthcare facilities facing critical shortages. Additional medical supplies, including essential medications and emergency health kits, are set to be delivered in the coming days to support emergency response teams and hospitals treating the injured.
However, the scale and pace of need in Lebanon are overwhelming. UNICEF is urgently appealing to the international community to mobilize humanitarian support and ensure that supply routes into Lebanon remain open, allowing for the rapid and safe delivery of essential supplies to children in need.
“Children’s homes have been destroyed and, for many, their lives are at risk of being forever altered,” added Beigbeder. “Many have been displaced multiple times, losing homes, parents, and loved ones in the process. These children have the right to protection, along with the vital services they depend on, such as medical facilities and shelters. UNICEF has assisted the children of Lebanon for decades and we are committed to stay and deliver during this critical time.”
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