Over 1.2 million people are looking for a safe place to stay within Lebanon, 185.000 already crossed the borders with Syria - and the numbers keep on rising. The latest hostilities have killed about 2.000 people and injured over 9.000. (Lebanon Emergency – Flash Update #3 | Global Focus (unhcr.org) )
The recent bombings have had a devastating impact, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee the region. Lebanese and Syrian families are escaping Lebanon for Syria as Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate civilian areas.
Since years, Lebanon hosts more refugees per capita than any other country. Most refugees have fled from Syria, but the recent conflict at Lebanon’s southern border has displaced thousands more.
The country is under immense pressure due to a severe economic crisis and escalating violence, intensifying the need for humanitarian operations.
The country is still struggling with the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Beirut port bomb blast, and a deep socio-economic crisis. Prices are spiraling, and many people can't afford basic needs like food, electricity, or medicine.
9 out of 10 refugees in Lebanon are living in extreme poverty. Many are homeless, facing the upcoming winter without adequate shelter, food, or protection from the cold.
How is UNHCR responding to the latest crises?
UNHCR has a long-standing presence in Lebanon, providing vital support to both refugees and host communities. In response to the growing crisis, we are rapidly scaling up core relief efforts, cash assistance, and medical care.
UNHCR and partners, including the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, are present at border crossings, providing immediate aid like food, water, blankets, and mattresses.
Our teams are on standby to help more civilians who have fled the airstrikes, providing shelter, health care and psychosocial support.
What other support does UNHCR deliver in Lebanon?
UNHCR has operated in Lebanon for many years, supporting both Lebanese communities and refugees. Key areas of support include:
- Supporting community groups and outreach volunteers
- Providing cash and in-kind assistance, to ensure families have enough to eat and essential supplies.
- Providing emergency shelter kits, repairing damaged buildings and improving living conditions in informal settlements.
- Subsidising hospital care and providing better access to vital medicines.
- Teaching basic literacy and numeracy skills to refugee children and helping older students to access higher education.
- Protecting and providing legal aid to the most vulnerable refugees, including women, children and survivors of gender-based violence.
- Facilitating initiatives that promote peacebuilding and social stability.
