Since August 20, the number of injured children in Lebanon has increased dramatically. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 690 children have been injured in Lebanon amid the dramatic escalation of the conflict.
“This devastating conflict is taking an enormous toll on children,” said UNICEF Regional Director Adele Khodr. “Doctors tell us that they are treating children who are covered in blood, have suffered bruises and fractures, and are suffering both physically and mentally. Many experience anxiety, flashbacks and nightmares as a result of the explosions. No child should be exposed to such horrific situations.”
“The humanitarian situation of children continues to worsen. “It’s now about providing the children and families with what they need as quickly as possible,” said Christian Schneider, Managing Director of UNICEF Germany. “UNICEF Germany has therefore already made 200,000 euros available as emergency aid for affected children and their families.”
The most common injuries to children include concussions and traumatic brain injuries from blast blasts, shrapnel wounds, and injuries to the arms and legs. Hearing damage caused by explosions is also common.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least 127 children were killed last year, more than 100 of them in the past eleven days alone. “It’s not just numbers. “It’s about innocent children who, like every child, had dreams and a future ahead of them,” Khodr said.
It is estimated that more than 400,000 children have fled their homes. They face fear, anxiety, destruction and death in an unsafe and unfamiliar environment and do not know when they will be able to return home or go back to school. UNICEF is particularly concerned about the long-term impact of these events on children’s mental health.
The Lebanese health system is under heavy strain due to the increasing number of victims. At least ten hospitals were damaged, including a neonatal intensive care unit.
UNICEF has already delivered 100 tons of medical supplies. Another 40 tons are expected over the weekend. The supplies will be distributed to hospitals, health centers, makeshift clinics and first responders to support life-saving care for families, especially pregnant women and children, across Lebanon. UNICEF also supports medical care in 50 emergency shelters as well as psychosocial support measures.
Given the great need in Lebanon, UNICEF calls on the international community to urgently mobilize humanitarian support and ensure that supply routes to Lebanon remain open so that life-saving assistance can be delivered quickly and safely to children in need.
In addition, UNICEF reiterates its call for an urgent ceasefire and calls on all parties to protect children and civilian infrastructure and ensure that humanitarian organizations can safely reach people in need in accordance with international humanitarian law.
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