The Vulnerability of Children in Lebanon: An Ongoing Crisis
- UNICEF Team uOttawa
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Lauren Keshvari Leyva, Awareness Content Reporter
Over the course of the last few months, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has become increasingly volatile. In Lebanon, citizens have been faced with constant missile fire, rockets, and air strikes. While the majority of these attacks have taken place in the southern part of the country and Beirut’s Dahieh suburb, all citizens have been impacted in one way or another. Amongst those who have been affected, many have been children.
These attacks have injured and killed hundreds of children. Many children have been injured by shrapnel. Meanwhile, some have been buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings. According to UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, in recent months, more than 3 children a day have been killed on average in Lebanon. In September, 50 children were killed over a span of two days. The violence currently faced by children in Lebanon is increasing at an uncontrollable rate.
Due to the attacks, hundreds of thousands of children have been displaced. These children have been forced to leave their homes, education, and relatives behind. While some have managed to find shelter, many have had no choice but to sleep on the streets. Several families have resorted to living in tents. With the intensive damage to infrastructure, these children and their families have limited access to food and clean drinking water. If these conditions persist, many children will suffer from malnutrition. Access to medical attention is additionally limited, given the alarming number of attacks on medical facilities and health workers. As a result, children have become dangerously vulnerable.
In November of last year, a survey conducted by UNICEF in Lebanon showed that 46% of children in the South Governorate were anxious and that 29% were reported to be depressed. These proportions are expected to have increased exponentially amidst the escalation of violence in the southern region. Across the country, emotional turmoil has become gradually more evident among children. As the conflict progresses, the mental health of children in the region continues to deteriorate.
To aid children in Lebanon, UNICEF has been working to provide them with their basic necessities. These include clean drinking water, food, blankets, sleeping bags, and hygiene kits. They are also continuing to provide mental health support and educational activities at many shelters. However, to reach more children, UNICEF requires more funding. While UNICEF has received $US7.6 million to date, it requires $US39 million to successfully implement its conflict response plan. To donate, please visit unicef.ca.
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