“We are relieved that the UN has launched a flash appeal totaling US$424 million for Lebanon. This funding is crucial. Countries must step up and make their financial contributions, as there is genuine concern about the lack of funding to address a crisis of this magnitude. Every day, we conduct new assessments of the humanitarian situation in various parts of Lebanon to adapt our assistance based on where and what is needed. Each day, we are shocked by the rapid increase in humanitarian needs.

Lebanon is at a critical juncture with around one million individuals internally displaced while the capacity of the government and the aid sector are severely challenged due to airstrikes and lack of funding.

New bombings occur daily, further worsening the situation. Since Sunday, more areas in the city of Beirut and Mount Lebanon are targeted, increasing the numbers of fatalities and wounded people, as well as the displaced.

The 863 shelters are almost full—schools, gymnasiums, and cultural centers urgently converted into accommodation. Many displaced people are currently sleeping in streets and parks throughout Beirut, and their conditions are becoming increasingly precarious. There is no garbage collection at this time, and we fear a public health crisis could be imminent. Children are in the streets searching for anything to help their families. Children, and especially girls, face serious protection and gender-based violence risks in overcrowded shelters and outside in public spaces like parcs and streets. Some people are now taking refuge in abandoned buildings in Beirut for fear of the rain forecast over the next few days, which will make conditions even more precarious for the displaced people living outside.

Despite the challenges, people are showing remarkable solidarity by spontaneously distributing food to displaced families, doing their best to assist. However, some essential items, like rice, are already nearly impossible to find in supermarkets across Beirut.

NGOs are also distributing aid, and, given our long time presence and network of partners, CARE was among the first responders to distribute aid —food, water, hygiene and dignity kits, mattresses, blankets…—both in the shelters and on the streets of Beirut. But aid distributions are very complicated. Yesterday, trips that we usually make in less than five minutes took one hour, because the roads were completely jammed, with a large number of displaced people trying to escape the bombings.  We strongly condemn these indiscriminate attacks that are taking civilian lives and also cost the lives of humanitarian workers last week.

The population in Lebanon urgently needs a strong mobilization of the international community, both in terms of funding and diplomatic pressure, to put an end to this reckless violence. International humanitarian law must be upheld. Civilians must be protected, humanitarian workers must be protected. And a permanent and immediate ceasefire must be established immediately to halt this spiraling situation.”

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Briony FitzGerald on 0404 117 927

About CARE Australia

CARE Australia supports women around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We work in partnership with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women that they have long been denied: the ability to earn an income, gain access to their fair share of resources, to lead and participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to be able to withstand the increasing impacts of climate disasters and other crises. www.care.org.au

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