Let’s reach out a helping hand as crisis in the Middle East escalates

The latest escalation in Lebanon has once again returned this conflict-scarred country to the centre of global attention. Since 23 September, the entire country has been experiencing shelling and bombardment, resulting in the death of at least 1,000 people and the displacement of up to 1 million within the country. The United Nations even states that over 100,000 people have fled to Syria to seek safety. As communities in which World Vision operates have also been affected, World Vision has paused all development programmes in the country to focus on responding to the immediate needs of children and families. As of 30 September, World Vision has reached over 80,000 internally displaced persons, including more than 28,000 children. Currently, we are distributing basic supplies such as food, water, blankets, mattresses and hygiene kits, as well as providing mental health and psychosocial support. We plan to further address the needs for child protection, winterisation and education. To help determine our next steps and priorities, we are now carrying out assessment to identify the needs of children and families.

Since a civil war broke out in neighbouring Syria in 2011, hundreds of thousands of refugees have been entering Lebanon from the north and the east, turning the country into one of the main host countries. However, Lebanon itself has been experiencing a severe economic downturn, with its currency becoming severely devalued and food prices soaring to unaffordable levels even for the locals. The economy was further devastated in the aftermath of the massive explosion in Beirut’s port in August 2020. It is estimated that 1.26 million people, nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population, are experiencing hunger. The current escalation is further aggravating the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. World Vision will remain on the ground and continue working closely with our partners to help children survive, recover and build a future.