Lebanon: Statement by Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF

New York, September 30, 2024 – “I am deeply concerned by the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Over the past week, at least 80 children have reportedly been killed in attacks, while hundreds more have been injured. According to government reports, the number of people internally displaced by the violence stands at more than a million, including more than 300,000 children.

Thousands of children and families today live on the streets or in sheltersmany have fled their homes without basic necessities or personal effects, and humanitarian conditions are worsening by the hour.

UNICEF and its partners are on the ground in Lebanon, providing essential support to children and families. Our teams deliver clean water, medical supplies, mattresses and blankets, as well as hygiene kits, dignity kits and baby kits. We further provide health and nutrition, child protection and psychosocial support services to children.

But as violence escalates, humanitarian needs increase. Any ground offensive or further escalation in Lebanon would further worsen the already catastrophic situation children find themselves in, and this must be avoided at all costs.

UNICEF continues to call for an urgent cessation of hostilities. We reiterate our call on all parties to protect children and civilian infrastructure, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and for humanitarian actors to safely reach all those in need. . »