ChildFund Alliance Lebanon Response Plan - October 2024

OPENING STATEMENT

WeWorld is providing multi-sectoral lifesaving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable civilians affected by the escalation of armed conflict in Lebanon. The focus of the intervention are vulnerable IDPs, namely children, women, and elderly. WeWorld will support the early recovery efforts in Lebanon as soon as the armed violence ends. This report aims to share the results of the immediate response and coordinate the future interventions to mitigate the suffering of children, families, and other citizens

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since October 8, 2023, Lebanon has experienced an increase of conflict which deepened on September 23, 2024: strong bombardments, airstrikes and ground invasion, caused numerous casualties and significant displacements, particularly in Beirut, the southern and eastern regions, and lately also the northern areas.

The conflict has resulted so far in 2,574 fatalities and 12,001 injuries, with 98% of them being blunt trauma and blast injuries. As of October 7th, 2024 displacement orders affecting over 100 villages and urban neighborhoods in southern Lebanon continue to compel residents to flee. According to OHCHR, one quarter of Lebanese territory is now under Israeli military displacement orders. 809,043 individuals are currently internally displaced (35% being children). In collaboration with national authorities, 1,094 public buildings, including schools, educational centers, and vocational institutes have been converted into shelters.

Among IDPs, 191,503 individuals have been registered in shelters outlined in regulations issued by the National Operations Room, representing nearly 30% of the total. Additionally, 22% have chosen rental housing, 1% have moved to secondary residences, and 2% live in unfinished buildings, tents, parks, or on the streets. Notably, the majority of IDPs (46%) reside in host settings, often overcrowded. Conversely, 344,819 Syrians and 150,104 Lebanese have left the country since September 23, with approximately 83% crossing the border with Syria via land routes.

Public services, healthcare, and water and food supplies have been significantly affected, particularly in areas impacted by bombardments or by the arrival of IDPs. Lebanon's health sector is under severe strain due to ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. The Ministry of Public Health reports a total of 95 health workers killed since October 8, 2023, and according to WHO, 77 of them were killed while on duty.

A minimum of 100 primary health care centers have been forced to close and at least 6 Hospitals completely suspended operations due to damage from attacks and supply shortages. The distribution and availability of water are also at risk, according to the OCHA report dated October 21st, 28 water facilities have been damaged by strikes, affecting nearly 364,000 residents in the country.

According to the Multisectoral Needs Assessment conducted by WeWorld between September 27th and October 4th, collective shelters in the regions of Akkar, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel are facing significant water access issues. In Akkar, many shelters still lack adequate water and sanitation, resulting in inconsistent access to clean water and functional sanitation systems. In Baalbek-Hermel, damage to water networks and infrastructure has been reported in 30% of collective shelters, leading to a lack of sustainable water sources and raising concerns about larger disruptions in water supply as the conflict continues. The risk of outbreaks and the spread of waterborne diseases is heightened by this situation, exacerbated by bombings and overcrowding.

Regarding food security, context in Lebanon is critical, with 23% of the population facing acute hunger due to ongoing conflicts and economic challenges. Many families, especially refugees, struggle to secure enough food, resulting in widespread malnutrition and health issues. Since the escalation of the conflict is likely to lead to a food crisis, it is essential to organize an adequate humanitarian response. In the Akkar region, food assistance was deemed sufficient in only 24% of cases. Among the various challenges identified, difficulties in maternal and infant nutrition, particularly for displaced newborns, have emerged as significant concerns.

In Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel, food distribution occurred in 63% of shelters, but 67% reported it was insufficient. Cooking facilities are available in only 25% of shelters, and 70% lack safe and appropriate storage.
Finally, the education sector in Lebanon has been severely impacted, with 75% of the 978 collective shelters located in public schools. The beginning of the school year has been postponed, while the damage to school infrastructure in heavily bombarded areas, such as Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, poses further challenges to resuming education.

Given the circumstances, immediate and coordinated humanitarian interventions are essential to address the urgent needs of the affected population. Swift action can alleviate suffering and prevent further deterioration of living conditions, ultimately helping to mitigate the long-term consequences of the ongoing crisis in Lebanon.

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