UNICEF reports that approximately 500,000 children in Lebanon cannot attend school due to ongoing conflict and economic difficulties. A representative highlighted severe trauma impacting children from Israeli airstrikes, particularly in Baalbek and Bekaa Valley. Food insecurity has drastically increased, with more than half of children under two experiencing shortages. Despite a ceasefire, school attendance remains low, revealing the depth of the humanitarian crisis.
On Friday, UNICEF announced that approximately 500,000 children in Lebanon are currently unable to attend school due to the ongoing conflict and various socioeconomic difficulties. During a weekly press briefing in Geneva, Ettie Higgins, UNICEF’s deputy representative in Lebanon, shared insights into the profound impact of the Israeli bombardments, particularly on children who face extreme trauma.
Higgins noted that regions such as Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley continue to suffer immensely from repeated Israeli airstrikes, which pose risks of physical injury along with exacerbating food insecurity. She reported that more than half of the children under the age of two in eastern Lebanon are facing severe food shortages, a statistic that has doubled since last year.
The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is further worsened by economic instability, teacher strikes, and residual effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, undermining the already fragile education infrastructure. Despite the ceasefire declared in November, UNICEF data reveals that over 25% of children remained out of school last month due to these compounding challenges.
In summary, the recent UNICEF report highlights the dire educational and humanitarian crisis faced by children in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict. With 500,000 children unable to attend school and significant increases in food insecurity, urgent action is required to address the fallout from both the conflict and accompanying socioeconomic issues. Comprehensive support is necessary to ensure the welfare and education of children in affected regions.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
