Attachments
Highlights
- Since 2 March 2026, the conflict in Lebanon displaced over 1.1 million people, including more than 390,000 children,1 placing additional strain on already fragile systems in a context already affected by an economic crisis and protracted displacement.
- UNICEF has scaled up its multi-sectoral response to meet rising humanitarian needs, reaching 227,455 people through the rapid response mechanism, sustaining water services for over 1.4 million people, expanding access to primary healthcare through mobile and facility-based services, and supporting the continuation of learning.
- The response has prioritised integrated and community-based service delivery platforms, including Primary Health Care Satellite Units, Makani centres, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training facilities, to ensure continuity of essential services, strengthen community engagement, and improve access for displaced and vulnerable populations.
- UNICEF is appealing for US$ 376.8 million in 2026 to address humanitarian needs in Lebanon. As of 31 March 2026, the appeal is 65 per cent unfunded. Additional funding is critical to support life-saving and life-sustaining services for children and their families.
SITUATION OVERVIEW AND HUMANITARIAN NEEDS
Lebanon is experiencing a deepening, multi- layered crisis driven by ongoing hostilities, repeated displacement, economic collapse, and climate pressures, alongside growing risks of disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. These overlapping shocks are sharply increasing child vulnerability and further weakening already fragile systems.
The security situation deteriorated significantly on 2 March 2026. Since then, more than 1.1 million people have been displaced, including over 390,000 children. 3 As of 31 March, at least 1,268 people have been killed, including 125 children, and 3,750 wounded, including 423 children. 4 Approximately 136,201 people are displaced in 669 official shelters. 5 Conditions in overcrowded shelters are increasing the risk of communicable disease outbreaks, while access to essential services remains limited, especially in hard- to- reach areas. Continued airstrikes and insecurity have damaged housing and critical infrastructure, disrupting water, health, and education services, while damage to transport routes is further constraining humanitarian access and service continuity in several affected areas.
Lebanon hosts one of the highest per capita concentrations of refugees worldwide, including more than 490,424 Syrian refugees officially registered with UNHCR. 6 Combined with Lebanon’s ongoing economic and institutional crises, protracted displacement continues to place sustained pressure on public services, infrastructure, and household wellbeing across multiple sectors. Political changes in the Syrian Arab Republic in December 2024 opened pathways for the voluntary return of Syrians after more than a decade of displacement. While initial projections estimated 400,000 returns between January and June 2026, the escalation in Lebanon has significantly accelerated cross- border movement. In March alone, 202,477 individuals crossed into the Syrian Arab Republic through official border points, including 48,888 Syrians intending permanent return. Despite this, large refugee populations remain in Lebanon, many unable to meet basic needs and increasingly resorting to harmful coping strategies. Lebanon also continues to host 224,791 Palestine refugees, many living in camps and informal settlements marked by overcrowding, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services.
The ongoing economic crisis, compounded by conflict and displacement, continues to drive widespread poverty and food insecurity among low- income households, refugees, and informal workers. Public services and social protection systems remain overstretched, limiting access to essential support.
Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene remains critically constrained, with an estimated 2.8 million people facing severe difficulties in accessing safe and affordable services. Systems are deteriorating due to conflict- related damage, energy shortages, and climate shocks, with the most severe gaps in informal settlements and collective shelters, increasing the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks. These vulnerabilities are compounded by infrastructure damage from the conflict in 2024 and further exacerbated by the current crisis.
The education system remains under severe strain. Many schools are non- functional or have challenging learning environments due to limited electricity, heating, and connectivity. Enrolment has declined, particularly at the secondary level, while rising costs for transport, learning materials, and food, combined with limited access to non- formal and accelerated learning, are increasing the risk of permanent learning loss. Non- Lebanese children face additional barriers linked to certification, affecting continuity of education and future opportunities. The current crisis has further disrupted schooling for approximately 256,000 students through displacement, closures, and the repurposing of schools as shelters.
The health system remains overstretched due to damaged facilities, displacement of health workers, and increased demand from affected populations, limiting access to essential maternal and child health services. Lebanon is experiencing a triple burden 12 of malnutrition, with stunting among children under five doubling to 14 per cent since 2021 and reaching 19 per cent among displaced Syrian children. 13 The recent escalation has further weakened system capacity, with 52 healthcare workers killed and 128 wounded, alongside damage to 52 vehicles, 19 medical and ambulatory centres, and 5 hospitals closed as of 31 March 2026.
Child protection systems are under severe pressure. Children face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, child labour, injury, and child marriage. Vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities and adolescent girls, face additional barriers to accessing services. Gender- based violence (GBV) remains a major concern, with children accounting for 26 per cent of reported survivors. 15 The current crisis has further disrupted markets and income generation, increasing reliance on food and non- food assistance. While markets remain partially functional in many areas, rising food and fuel prices continue to erode purchasing power among already vulnerable households.
Livelihood opportunities have sharply declined, leaving many households dependent on humanitarian assistance, with women and youth facing particular barriers to employment. 17 The crisis has further disrupted markets and income generation, increasing reliance on food and non- food assistance.