Lebanon’s Children at Risk: UNICEF Highlights Growing Health and Safety Concerns Amid Conflict

Beirut: Children in Lebanon face increasing health and protection risks as ongoing conflict severely impacts essential services, including water supply and healthcare, according to UNICEF. The organization has reported extensive damage to infrastructure, including water facilities and medical centers, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of young populations to diseases and displacement. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the situation for children in Lebanon is deteriorating as they are exposed to heightened risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and diarrhea due to the disruption of water and sanitation services. UNICEF has identified at least 28 water facilities that have suffered damages due to the conflict, affecting over 360,000 people, mostly in southern Lebanon. Inaccessible areas due to ongoing hostilities are likely hiding further damages which remain unassessed, complicating relief efforts. The health sector is also severely compromised, with reports of damage to 15 hospit als and 70 primary healthcare centers. Out of these, 6 hospitals are completely non-functional, and 5 have limited operational capabilities. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has expressed concerns over the reduced capacity to handle the increasing medical needs of the population, especially for children. UNICEF Lebanon Representative Edouard Beigbeder emphasized the critical condition of children in the region, stating, "As the frequency and intensity of the bombardments in Lebanon increases, extensive damage to essential infrastructure has been recorded and dozens of medical personnel and essential service personnel have been killed. This is disastrous for every child in Lebanon." He stressed the need for the protection of humanitarian and essential service personnel to ensure the delivery of lifesaving support under international humanitarian law. The increasing displacement is another significant concern, with government estimates suggesting that 400,000 children have been displaced, primarily to a reas like Beirut and Mount Lebanon. These regions are struggling to cope with the influx, facing severe shortages in water, shelter, and basic supplies. Moreover, the health risks are compounded by the spread of other diseases among displaced families, particularly in overcrowded shelters lacking adequate sanitation. Reports of scabies and lice have already emerged, and there is a looming threat of respiratory infections as colder, wetter weather sets in. The lack of adequate shelter further exposes thousands to harsh conditions, increasing their vulnerability. Protection issues are also escalating, with UNICEF and its partners identifying 67 unaccompanied and separated children since 8 October 2023, managing to reunite 65 with their families. However, the ongoing crisis continues to expose children to risks of injury, abuse, and child labor due to their displacement and absence from school. UNICEF continues to advocate for a ceasefire and calls on all parties to ensure the protection of children in line w ith international humanitarian and human rights law, emphasizing that "Above all else, the children of Lebanon need a ceasefire," as stated by Beigbeder. "This is the only way to protect them and ensure the aid they need can be safely delivered at scale."