The United Nations and Lebanese Government Launch $426 Million Flash Appeal for Urgent Humanitarian Aid

Since 17 September 2024, Lebanon has experienced an unprecedented surge in casualties and displacement, dramatically compounding the already profound toll of over 11 months of violence. In just the past two weeks, more than 1,000 people have lost their lives, over 6,000 have been injured, and an estimated 1 million people have been directly affected or displaced since October 2023, according to Lebanese authorities. 

These alarming figures only continue to rise, further exacerbating a crisis that has overwhelmed the nation’s already strained resources and infrastructure, particularly impacting vulnerable populations who lack access to essential services and basic necessities.

 In his opening speech, Lebanese prime minister, Najib Mikati, expressed deep shock over the escalating situation and the grave impact it is having on the people of Lebanon. "This is a critical moment that demands the immediate attention and action of the international community. I urge all nations to step up their support in providing humanitarian aid and to use their influence to help bring an end to the violence," he said. 

The Flash Appeal seeks to assist approximately one million people affected by the conflict by addressing urgent needs in areas such as food, basic assistance, shelter, healthcare, water, and municipal services. Funds will be directed to humanitarian partners collaborating as part of the Government-led emergency response. 

“Without sufficient resources, humanitarians risk leaving the population of an entire country without the support they urgently require,” Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza warned.

 “No amount of aid can fully address this crisis if civilians continue to be targeted. We must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that those affected by this crisis receive the essential support they require.

It is imperative that all parties uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and prioritize humanitarian access.” “Our aim is to build on and reinforce the strong cooperation and collaboration already in place, working closely with the government and our partner ministries at both national and subnational levels”, Riza added.

The humanitarian community has been working tirelessly, coordinating closely with the government to provide support. In April and August 2024 respectively, $9 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and $24 million from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF) were released, the latter including $10 million specifically designated for the South Lebanon response. In September, an additional $10 million will be released by the LHF to address life critical needs, complemented by a further $10 million from the CERF. Meant to provide catalytic support to scale up the response, these contributions are inadequate to address the scale of the unfolding crisis. Additional contributions from the international community are urgently required.

 Link to the flash appeal: https://reliefweb.int/report/lebanon/flash-appeal-lebanon-october-december-2024-october-2024

Note to Editors.

 This Flash Appeal outlines the preliminary financial requirements for humanitarian organizations to deliver immediate and life-saving assistance and protection to one million conflict-affected people in Lebanon. It supports government-led relief efforts and complements the Lebanon Response Plan (LRP), which serves as the primary framework for humanitarian and stabilization responses in the country. The figures presented in this appeal are provisional and may be adjusted in the coming days and weeks as more information becomes available regarding the situation and the necessary response. 

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