Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the situation in Lebanon

NEW YORK (September 30, 2024) – “I am deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Over the last week, at least 80 children have reportedly been killed in attacks, while hundreds more have been injured. According to Government reports, the number of people internally displaced by the violence has spiked to more than 1 million – including over 300,000 children.

“Thousands of children and families are now living in the streets or in shelters; many having fled their homes without essential supplies and belongings. Humanitarian conditions are growing worse by the hour.

“UNICEF and our partners are on the ground in Lebanon, reaching children and families with essential support. Our teams are delivering drinking water, medical supplies, mattresses and blankets, as well as hygiene, dignity and baby kits. We are providing health and nutrition, child protection, and psychosocial support services for children.

“But as the violence intensifies, so do the humanitarian needs. Any ground offensive or further escalation in Lebanon would make a catastrophic situation for children even worse. Such an outcome must be avoided at all costs.

“UNICEF continues to call for an urgent cessation of hostilities. We reiterate our call for all parties to protect children and civilian infrastructure, and to ensure that humanitarian actors can safely reach all those in need – in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

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About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, jburaczenski@unicefusa.org