A family who fled Beirut on the border with Syria. UNICEF: More than 690 children injured in Lebanon in past six weeks Peace and Security
More than 690 children have been injured in Lebanon as a result of the sharp escalation of the conflict in recent weeks, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF is calling for an urgent ceasefire to protect children from physical and psychological trauma.
The death toll from the conflict has risen sharply since August 20, bringing the total number of children injured in 12 months to 890, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. At least 127 children have also been killed during that period, with more than 100 of those deaths occurring in the last 11 days.
“These aren’t just numbers. “These are innocent children who, like everyone else, had dreams and a future,” said UNICEF Regional Director Adel Khodr.
Long-term consequences
The most common injuries documented among children are concussions and traumatic brain injuries, shrapnel wounds and limb injuries, and hearing loss caused by explosions.
Meanwhile, more than 400,000 children are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes, finding themselves in unfamiliar surroundings and coping with fear and uncertainty. UNICEF is particularly concerned about the long-term impact on mental health.
Lebanon’s health system is under enormous strain as the death toll rises, with at least 10 hospitals, including a neonatal intensive care unit, damaged in the fighting.
UNICEF’s response
UNICEF has delivered 100 tonnes of relief supplies to Lebanon, with a further 40 tonnes due to arrive over the weekend. The supplies are being distributed to hospitals, primary health centres, temporary clinics and emergency response centres across the country. UNICEF is also supporting health services in 50 shelters and providing psychosocial support to those affected.
Given the scale of needs in Lebanon, UNICEF has called on the international community to mobilize humanitarian support and ensure supply routes remain open.
The UN Children’s Fund continues to call for an immediate ceasefire.
“Violations of International Law”
Meanwhile, independent UN human rights experts have condemned the escalation of Israel’s military campaign.
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“The number of internally displaced persons in Lebanon has more than tripled in less than a month due to Israel’s continued attacks on populated areas, coupled with belated or ineffective evacuation orders, in violation of the principles of distinction and proportionality,” a statement signed by a number of experts from the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures reads. Human rights activists also expressed concern about the situation of displaced persons in Israel, but stressed that the situation in the country does not absolve Israel of its international obligations. The experts deplored Israel’s violations of “the most fundamental measures to protect civilians.”
Mass Displacements
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as of October 2, there were 541,527 internally displaced persons in Lebanon, a 56 percent increase from September 29. The internally displaced persons were located in 1,012 localities across Lebanon, with displacement occurring in all districts of all eight governorates.