More than 400,000 children in Lebanon have been displaced in the past three weeks, according to a top official with the U.N. children’s agency. The official warned of a potential “lost generation” in the country facing multiple crises and currently immersed in war.
The conflict in Lebanon has intensified as Israel ramps up its efforts against the Hezbollah militant group, even resorting to a ground invasion. This escalation follows a year of hostilities, including clashes during Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The ongoing fighting has forced 1.2 million individuals from their homes, with the majority seeking refuge in Beirut and other areas in the north over the last three weeks. Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s deputy executive director for humanitarian actions, highlighted the dire situation faced by children in Lebanon.
Chaiban spoke about the impact on education, with 1.2 million children deprived of schooling due to public schools being inaccessible, damaged, or repurposed as shelters. This disruption poses the risk of a lost generation for Lebanon, exacerbating the challenges the country already faces.
He expressed concerns about the vulnerable populations in Lebanon, including Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian children, being at risk of losing out on education opportunities. The violence has taken a toll, with more than 2,300 people killed in Israeli airstrikes, a significant proportion over the last month.
Chaiban also shed light on the grim conditions in which displaced children find themselves, living in overcrowded shelters with limited facilities. The destruction of health care facilities, hospitals, and water infrastructure has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
He emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza, stressing that military solutions cannot resolve the ongoing conflicts. Despite the pressing requirements, the emergency response appeal for $108 million in Lebanon has only been 8% funded, underscoring the critical need for international support.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, the plight of displaced children remains a significant concern, driving the call for immediate action to protect civilian infrastructure and ensure the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable populations.