Destroyed residential buildings in Beirut. The crisis in the Middle East is pushing millions of people into poverty Peace and Security
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) warned on Tuesday that the impact of the crisis in the Middle East extends far beyond its borders and, in particular, threatens decades of development gains across the Asia-Pacific region.
Rising fuel and freight prices caused by shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving up prices for transport, energy, food and fertilizer across the region, according to a new analysis.
The crisis could push an estimated 8.8 million people into poverty, with economic losses likely to reach $299 billion, with the worst Low-income households, informal sector workers and migrants will be affected. The report also warns that women are particularly vulnerable.
UNDP says governments are taking steps to mitigate the impact, but prolonged instability could worsen inequalities and reverse development gains.
Uncertainty surrounding the truce
Uncertainty surrounding the announced truce between the United States and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported. and Iran led to many displaced people in Lebanon briefly returning home, only to be forced to flee again after renewed Israeli strikes and Israel’s announcement that Lebanon was not included in the truce area.
The agency warned that this has increased fear and uncertainty, and many Lebanese now believe there is no safe place in their country now nowhere.
Damage to key infrastructure—including a major bridge south of the Litani River—has jeopardized access to affected areas, and disruptions at border crossings have further hampered the movement of displaced people.
As population displacement continues across Lebanon, public services play a key role in supporting families displaced from their homes. centers.
UNHCR-supported community development centers can provide displaced people with access to information, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and referrals – including in areas where risks are particularly high.
Despite ongoing fighting, 16 such centers remain operational across the country, reaching more than 13,000 displaced people, more than half of whom are women and girls. They help reduce the need to travel multiple times for different services and reduce risks for families already faced with multiple moves.
Delivery of emergency aid
The UN World Food Program (WFP) is increasing its supply of food aid to Lebanon. More than a thousand tons of ready-to-eat food have been sent to the country to support conflict-affected families. Containers are loaded in Turkey and transported by sea to Beirut. The first shipment of about 104 tons has already arrived at its destination, the remaining cargo is on its way.
In Iran, aid organizations are adapting supply routes to reach people in need in areas where access remains limited due to the fallout from the conflict.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in collaboration with the Turkish Red Crescent, delivered a shipment of life-saving medical supplies overland from Turkey, one of the first cross-border shipments since the conflict began to escalate. The shipment includes advanced emergency trauma kits designed to treat severe injuries and stabilize patients at a time when hospitals are under increasing strain and supply chains are severely disrupted.
UN humanitarian partners are planning further deliveries as needs in Iran remain high and access to essential medical care continues limited.
UN Special Envoy to Saudi Arabia
Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on the Middle East Conflict and its Consequences, Jean Arnault, is in Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve conflict.
During the visit, Jean Arnault plans to hold meetings with senior Saudi officials to gain an understanding of how the conflict is affecting life in the country and in the region as a whole.
The special envoy is also going to discuss with the Saudi side ways to maintain regional diplomatic effort.