UNICEF: The children of Lebanon need urgent support to recover and rebuild their lives in the wake of the devastating war

The UNICEF representative in Lebanon, Achilles Air, said that the war “caused heavy losses to children, and affected almost every aspect of their lives – their health, education, and their future in the end.” He added that the children of Lebanon need urgent support “To recover and rebuild their lives and survive the permanent effects of this crisis.”

In a survey conducted by UNICEF in January, 72 percent of the sponsorships said that their children were concerned or tense during the war. While 8 out of 10 of them said that they have noticed some improvement in their children’s mental health since the ceasefire, UNICEF confirmed that those who endured long periods of shocking stress may face health and psychological consequences for life.

What came in the evaluation?

The evaluation also revealed a disturbing image of children’s feeding, especially in areas with high population density in the governorates of Baalbek Hermel and Bekaa, which was targeted by Israeli air strikes over and over again. Nearly half of the children under the age of two in the two governorates suffer from “Severe diet” This means that they consume two or less than eight main food groups.

In addition, nearly half of the children under the age of 18 in the Bekaa and more than a third of them in Baalbek Hermel either they did not eat or eat only one meal on the day before the evaluation was previously performed.

The conflict also exacerbated the difficult educational situation in Lebanon, as more than half a million children were already outside the school after years of economic turmoil, teachers’ strikes and the impact of the Kofid-19.

Even a ceasefire, more than 25 percent of children are still outside the school, as many children cannot join the school because of their families’ inability to withstand costs.

The evaluation also showed that 45 percent of families had to reduce health spending, and 30 percent on education to provide basic necessities. Many families also lack the basic necessities, including drinking water, medicines and heating sources for the winter.

Supporting recovery efforts

In this context, Mr. Air said: “This data provides an undeniable evidence of the urgent need to move now. Lebanon must receive the assistance it needs to restore infrastructure and vital services, and to ensure a future that children aspire to. At this fragile and decisive moment in the history of Lebanon, we cannot bear waiting. We call on all parties to adhere to the conditions of a ceasefire and work with the international community to maintain peace and ensure a brighter future for children, and we call on the new government in The country is to put children’s rights and needs at the top of the reform and recovery agenda. “

UNICEF confirmed that it is committed to continuing to support the efforts of recovery and reconstruction from the devastating effects of the war, as well as the years of political and economic turmoil. She called on the international community to support the children of Lebanon and contribute to the 2025 appeal to raise 658.2 million dollars to provide life -saving aid to 2.4 million people across the country.