
This investigation delves into the current state of relief efforts in Lebanon, examining their effectiveness, challenges, and potential pathways for improvement.
Current Humanitarian Context
The situation in Lebanon has deteriorated significantly since October 2023, marked by intense military confrontations and widespread displacement. According to recent reports, over one million people have been displaced due to escalating violence, surpassing the displacement figures from the 2006 war . The humanitarian community has responded with appeals for substantial funding—$2.72 billion for 2024—to address the multifaceted crises affecting Lebanese citizens and refugees alike.However, as of mid-2024, only 25% of this funding has been secured, raising concerns about the adequacy of resources available for relief actions. in 2023, Lebanon’s humanitarian aid landscape faced significant challenges amid escalating crises.
Key figures include:
- Total Funding: Approximately $780.1 million was reported as total humanitarian funding for Lebanon in 2023.
- Lebanon Emergency Response Plan: This plan required $200.2 million, of which $108.9 million (54.4%) was funded.
- Syrian Refugee Support: The Syrian Arab Republic Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) sought $3.8 billion, but only $521.1 million (13.6%) was secured.
- Flash Appeal for 2024: A new appeal launched in October 2024 aims to raise $426 million to support one million people affected by the ongoing conflict
Lebanon’s humanitarian landscape has been marked by significant NGO relief efforts in response to escalating crises.
Key figures include:
- Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF): In September 2024, the LHF allocated $24 million for urgent support, with $10 million directed specifically towards emergency relief in South Lebanon and $13 million for vulnerable communities across the country.
- Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF): The UN’s CERF provided $9 million in April and an additional $10 million in August 2024 to support life-critical needs.
- Flash Appeal for 2024: Launched on October 1, 2024, this appeal seeks $426 million to assist approximately one million people affected by the conflict.
- Overall Funding Needs: Despite these allocations, only about 25% of the annual appeal has been met, highlighting a significant funding gap in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs
Challenges Faced by Relief Efforts
One of the primary challenges facing relief operations is the fragmented nature of Lebanon’s social protection system. The existing safety nets are underfunded and primarily reliant on international aid, which limits their reach and effectiveness. Reports indicate that current humanitarian responses are largely limited to cash transfers and in-kind donations that do not adequately meet the needs of the displaced population. Moreover, there is a critical need for better coordination between humanitarian organizations and governmental bodies to avoid creating parallel systems that could lead to inefficiencies.The humanitarian landscape is further complicated by Lebanon’s economic collapse, which has left more than half of its population living below the poverty line. This dire economic situation hampers not only the delivery of aid but also the ability of local communities to support themselves amidst ongoing conflicts. As Fr. Michel Abboud from Caritas Lebanon poignantly states, “The people of Lebanon are tired, wounded and desperate,” reflecting a broader sentiment among citizens who have endured decades of turmoil
Current Relief Initiatives
Despite these challenges, several organizations are actively working to provide much-needed assistance. Caritas Lebanon has ramped up its operations significantly since October 2023, establishing hotlines for conflict-affected citizens and deploying mobile medical units to address urgent healthcare needs. Their efforts encompass a wide range of services including food distribution, medical assistance, and social support for vulnerable populations such as women and children survivors of violence .Similarly, organizations like Première Urgence Internationale focus on strengthening healthcare systems while providing shelter rehabilitation and cash assistance to those affected by conflict.These initiatives are crucial in a country where access to basic services has been severely compromised due to ongoing violence and economic decline.
The Role of Forecast-Based Financing
Innovative approaches such as Forecast-Based Financing (FbF) have been introduced to enhance preparedness for extreme events in Lebanon. This initiative aims to implement anticipatory actions based on weather forecasts to mitigate potential impacts on vulnerable communities before disasters occur. By integrating early warning systems with disaster risk management strategies, stakeholders hope to reduce reliance on reactive measures that often come too late.
Challenges to be met
Based on the search results, Lebanon’s social protection system faces several significant challenges during the current war:
- Fragmentation and underfunding: Lebanon’s social protection system is already fragmented and underfunded, struggling to meet the humanitarian needs of the affected population.
- Limited coverage: The existing social safety nets offer limited coverage and are heavily dependent on international funding.
- Inadequate emergency response: The emergency response has been inadequate and limited to cash transfers and in-kind donations reaching only a small portion of those in need.
- Mass displacement and increased poverty: The war has exacerbated the existing economic crisis, leading to mass displacement and increased poverty.
- Strain on public services: The already stretched and weak public services have experienced additional pressures from the large influx of Syrian refugees in recent years.
- Lack of comprehensive approach: There is an urgent need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the crisis – one that involves immediate humanitarian assistance as well as longer-term social protection measures.
- Access and logistics issues: Humanitarian organizations are struggling to reach those in need due to destruction of infrastructure and ongoing violence.
- Insufficient resources: Aid workers are calling for greater international support and coordination to ensure assistance reaches displaced populations in both urban and rural areas.
- Exclusion of vulnerable groups: The government’s initial action plan did not provide financial or social assistance to vulnerable groups or sectors affected by the crisis.
- Economic impact: The crisis has severely affected employment and income, resulting in unprecedented hardships for vulnerable individuals.
These challenges highlight the need for urgent action to strengthen and expand Lebanon’s social protection system to better respond to the current crisis and future shocks.
Current situation
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. The escalation in hostilities extends to previously unaffected areas and has caused widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure across the country. National authorities estimate that over 1 million people are now directly affected and/or displaced by the conflict, including 11,600 pregnant women, with 3,900 women expected to give birth within the next three months. Tens of thousands of women and girls have sought refuge in collective sites in Lebanon, exacerbating vulnerabilities to gender-based violence (GBV). These women urgently need access to life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, protection, hygiene, clean water and nutrition services. It is anticipated that needs will continue to rise, further exacerbating a crisis that has overwhelmed the nation’s already strained resources and infrastructure, and particularly impacting vulnerable populations who lack access to essential services and basic necessities.
Around 1,600 people have been killed, including 104 children, and more than 9,000 injured since 8 October 2023 – the majority of them within the past 2 weeks (MoPH). Dozens of women and children are among the dead as well as two UNHCR staff members. Approximately 177,000 Syrian and 63,000 Lebanese nationals have crossed into Syria to escape violence (DRM unit), a country where humanitarian needs have already reached unprecedented levels and where basic services are overstretched.
The health system continues to be targeted and government-led protection programmes for women and girls have been disrupted. Since October 2023, there have been 11 attacks on health care, the closure of around 40 health facilities and a shortage of healthcare workers (WHO). At least 38 health personnel have been killed and 65 injured. Hospitals are reaching their capacity for managing mass casualty incidents while many healthcare providers have been displaced, especially in the South, Bekaa and South Beirut. Partners are delivering services at the community level where possible and stand ready to resume services in primary health care centers (PHCs).
Essential infrastructure has been damaged, destroyed and strained. Before 20 September, at least 4,000 residential buildings had been destroyed, while 20,000 others severely damaged, since October 2023, according to the Council for South Lebanon. As of 28 September 2024, 25 water facilities are reported damaged impacting nearly 300,000 people, and 37 health facilities are closed across the country. Children’s access to education has also been directly impacted. Most of the 795 buildings that serve as collective centres are schools/educational establishments, affecting access to education for students. This adds to existing challenges for education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, political instability, economic downturns, and continuous conflict.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance the effectiveness of relief actions in Lebanon, several recommendations emerge from this investigation:
- Strengthening Coordination: Establishing a unified framework that integrates humanitarian assistance with existing social protection mechanisms is essential. This would facilitate better resource allocation and ensure that aid reaches those most in need without duplication of efforts.
- Expanding Funding Sources: The Lebanese government must prioritize securing additional funding through both domestic resources and international partnerships. This includes improving transparency and accountability in how funds are utilized within relief operations.
- Enhancing Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the planning and implementation of relief efforts can lead to more tailored responses that address specific needs. Empowering community leaders can also foster trust and improve communication between aid organizations and affected populations.
- Implementing Long-Term Solutions: Beyond immediate relief efforts, there is a pressing need for long-term strategies that focus on rebuilding Lebanon’s economy and infrastructure. This includes investing in sustainable development initiatives that can provide lasting support for vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The current state of relief actions in Lebanon reveals a complex interplay between urgent humanitarian needs and systemic challenges exacerbated by conflict and economic instability. While various organizations are making commendable efforts to provide assistance, significant gaps remain in coordination, funding, and overall effectiveness. By adopting a more integrated approach that prioritizes community involvement and long-term solutions, Lebanon can begin to navigate its way out of this crisis—transforming despair into hope for its future.As Lebanon continues to face these daunting challenges, it is imperative that both local and international stakeholders come together to support effective relief actions that can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by this ongoing crisis