World Humanitarian Day: Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Mr. Imran Riza

Today as we mark this World Humanitarian Day, our hearts are heavy with the weight of these tragedies.

Civilians here in Lebanon have not only witnessed events unfolding elsewhere through media but have been directly impacted by conflict. 

More than 110,000 people in Lebanon have been internally displaced since October last year – seeking shelter in host communities across the country.

Nearly 150,000 people continue to live in areas impacted daily by shelling and airstrikes. Millions more are reliving painful memories of the 2006 war, traumatized by worry over the risk of further escalation. 

Last year marked the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with 280 killed globally. This year is on track to be even worse. Here in Lebanon, 21 paramedics whose duties were to save others have been killed.

The seeming impunity with which such actions have been committed reveals a troubling disregard for International Humanitarian Law, a cornerstone of our shared humanity established 75 years ago with the Geneva Conventions. 

Despite this grim situation, humanitarian workers in Lebanon, particularly our Lebanese colleagues, have shown extraordinary courage and commitment. They have reached over 200,000 people in need since October last year, operating with minimal resources and under constant threat. 

While the world is failing civilians in conflict and many around the world are losing hope in humanity, these brave humanitarians restore our faith in it. Our mantra has been and remains “even wars have rules, civilians are not a target”. Here, we have been repeating this for almost a year now. 

On World Humanitarian Day, world leaders must put pressure on the parties to conflict, to protect humanitarian workers and civilians, and to hold accountable those who inflict harm upon them. 

-ends

For more information, please contact the office of United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon:

•  Ms. Kristen Knutson, Head of Office - OCHA. E-mail: Knutson@un.org 
• Ms. Kawsar Fahs, Senior Communications Officer – OCHA. E-mail: Kawsar.fahs@un.org