Lebanon Crisis: Rapid Needs Assessment - Key Findings #4 , 18 October 2024

Demographic Distribution & Vulnerability

Since 24 September 2024, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been conducting Rapid Needs Assessments (RNA) and Key Informative Interviews to identify and address the evolving needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). As of 17 October, the assessments involved 1,892 displaced families, compromising 8,877 individuals: 1,576 Lebanese, 296 Syrians, 11 Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon, two Palestinian Refugees from Syria, and seven individuals from other nationalities. 32% of the surveyed individuals are children under 15, 8% are elderly, and 4% are people with disabilities.

With a slight increase from the previous weeks, a concerning 4% (67 families out of 1892) reported that their children have been separated from them due to forced displacement and airstrikes. These children are staying with relatives or neighbors and cases have been referred to the respective organizations. However, the actual number of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) is likely to be higher in such conflict contexts (3-5% of the displaced population), underscoring the urgent need for a tracking system and reunification support.

• Northern Lebanon: Northern Lebanon continues to be the primary destination for IDPs, with Akkar continuing to be the more favorable area. The region is hosting 61% (1,120 households) of the displaced population, mirroring trends from the previous week (63%). Noting that more than 85% of the shelters in the area are at maximum capacity, highlighting shelter concerns given the strong influx of IDPs to this area.
• Beirut and Mount Lebanon (BML): Similar to the previous week, 24% of the IDPs (446 households) reportedly relocated to areas within BML, with the majority arriving from south Lebanon (56%) showing a slight decrease compared to October 11th, 2024 (59%). Internal displacement within BML still highlights varied safety levels within the governorate, with the majority fleeing areas within and around southern Beirut. Minimal movement to BML is reported from Baalbek El Hermel, likely due to safety and financial barriers.
• Baalbek El Hermel: Baalbek El Hermel currently hosts about 15% of the total IDPs, with 91% being internally displaced from within the area, reflecting previous trends. The remaining 9%, arriving from the South and Beirut/Mount Lebanon, relocated to Baalbek El Hermel not out of a sense of safety, but because it was reported the only available shelter option. Although there has been a slight increase in families leaving Baalbek El Hermel for the north, the number remains very low, mainly due to road safety concerns and financial barriers. This highlights the ongoing lack of secure relocation options and the persistent barriers preventing IDPs from moving to safer areas, reinforcing their unstable situation.

Displacements to Syria

As of the latest data, at least 461,172 individuals have crossed the border into Syria as they flee the conflict. The IRC Syria observed that, by 18 October, at least 10,400 individuals had entered Syria through the Tabqa border, where the following was observed:

• Displaced individuals reportedly endured long waits during the verification process, lacking adequate waiting areas, shaded spots, or nearby bathrooms. Key urgent needs include gender-separated bathrooms, food due to extended waiting times, and cash assistance to support their immediate needs.
• Reports of exploitation by transportation providers, with inflated fares between the Syrian-Lebanon border and the Tabqa crossing, highlight the lack of regulatory oversight and protection mechanisms for returnees. The arrest of five individuals for human trafficking signals a deeper issue of criminal networks preying on vulnerable populations during displacement. Furthermore, the loss of personal belongings during recent events in Lebanon and the inability of returnees to secure wages—due to the displacement of their employers—reflects a compounded economic crisis.