Deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Syria as people flee Lebanon
- As Lebanon is engulfed in violence, more than a quarter of a million people have fled to Syria, a country facing its 14th year of conflict and crisis.
- Both Lebanese refugees and Syrians who have once again been forcibly displaced are fleeing one crisis, only to find themselves in another.
- Over half of the new arrivals are women and girls, and more than 60 per cent are children.
- The IRC has deployed mobile health units and initiated our emergency team.
Country facts
- Total population: 5.4 million
- Nearly 4000 people killed and thousands more injured by Israeli attacks between Oct 2023 and Nov 2024, including hundreds of children
- Nearly 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed during the conflict
- 3.7 million people, 64% of the population, in humanitarian need
IRC response
- Started work in Lebanon: 2012
The IRC is providing critical support to crisis-affected communities across Lebanon.
A significant escalation in conflict in late 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah left Lebanon facing its worst humanitarian crisis in decades. On 26 November, a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel was announced. Coming into effect on 27 November, the agreement stipulates a 60-day cessation of hostilities, ending nearly 14 months of conflict.
Over one million people—both Lebanese and Syrians—had been forced to flee their homes, with many displaced within Lebanon and others crossing the border into Syria. The destruction of 100,000 homes along with damage to medical facilities, schools and agricultural lands, means that the effects will be felt for years.
The country has been facing various challenges for many years. Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita in the world, most of whom have fled from Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory. In Lebanon, refugees are at increasing risk of violence, discrimination, legal restrictions and face difficult socio-economic challenges.
Prior to the conflict, Lebanon was already experiencing economic collapse. Between 2019 and 2023, the Lebanese pound lost over 98% of its value, and food prices rose by 350%—the highest food price inflation globally. Coupled with the collapse of the banking sector and supply chain disruptions, a loss of purchasing power has increased unemployment, and poverty and hunger. Economic collapse has also had devastating impacts for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, where 84% of Syrian households were living in extreme poverty in 2023.
The conflict in Lebanon has exacerbated humanitarian needs.
As of November 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 150 attacks on medical facilities, with more than 200 health workers killed. Access to health services has been disrupted and civilians in affected areas face greater risk from preventable diseases and untreated chronic conditions—particularly as water, sanitation, and health infrastructure are damaged or destroyed.
Before the latest escalation, nearly 25% of Lebanon’s population faced crisis-level or worse food insecurity (IPC 3+), and 80% lived in poverty. Women and girls experience heightened marginalization, discrimination, and unemployment. Government offices and ministries are struggling to function with severely limited resources. Access to justice and legal services are increasingly out of reach, and social protection programs cannot meet the overwhelming needs of the people.
More than 700,000 children were already out of school before September 2024. With the current destruction across the country, even more children are at high risk of losing access to education.
Humanitarian needs in Lebanon had already outstripped available resources even before the hostilities. The capacity of local civil society and international actors to respond at the pace and scale needed has increasingly come under strain.
Since 2012, the IRC has been working in Lebanon providing life-changing support to both Lebanese citizens and refugees. We offer a combination of emergency aid and long-term programs to help people cope with the consequences of humanitarian crisis and the acute economic crisis facing the country, while helping them rebuild their lives. Our programs cover protection, women’s empowerment, education, legal aid, healthcare—including mental sexual and reproductive health—and economic support.
The IRC is proud to partner with many national NGOs and works with ministries and governmental entities to respond to humanitarian needs in Lebanon.
Our areas of focus include:
Safety and power
We are a leading organization in the protection sector in Lebanon. We work to safeguard the most vulnerable communities, partnering with local civil society and, where appropriate, local authorities to prevent and address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children. We deliver urgent support to survivors of gender-based violence, and we implement programs to support women’s empowerment. We also inform and counsel displaced persons of their legal rights, while providing them with legal documentation. We are also a leader for access to justice for children.
To ensure everyone can live safely and with dignity, the IRC monitors trends affecting communities most at risk of harm and discrimination, including refugees, and responds to emerging needs. These trends shape our programs so they respond to actual needs on the ground and inform our advocacy efforts.
Education and early childhood development
The IRC is working with governmental partners and local NGOs to ensure access to high-quality education services that are safe and free from harm for Syrian and Lebanese children.
The IRC offers a range of programs and services, including, community-based education, basic literacy and numeracy sessions, parenting sessions for caregivers, psychosocial support, and recreational activities.
Health
The IRC established its health program in Lebanon to address the severe impact of the multiple crises on the country’s already fragile healthcare system. The program aims to improve inclusive and equitable access to healthcare for all people and support healthcare facilities.
Working with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and local partners, the IRC delivers health services through locally run Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs). We also support community-based interventions, including malnutrition screenings and health awareness sessions, and provide mental health and psychosocial support.
Economic well-being
The IRC works to improve the livelihoods of those affected by crisis, help them rebuild their lives, and empower them to achieve economic resilience and stability. Our programs are community-driven, addressing both immediate needs and long-term development goals.
We provide support to people seeking employment through job counseling and opportunities to increase their skills. We provide entrepreneurship, financial literacy, marketing, and development training for businesses. We also offer cash assistance to ensure people are able to meet their most basic needs.
Support the IRC's work
Donate now to help the IRC support children and families in Lebanon and in crisis zones worldwide.
The IRC is consistently awarded top marks by charity watchdog groups for our efficient use of donor contributions and the effectiveness of our work. Read more reasons to give to the IRC.
Learn more in the IRC’s 2025 Emergency Watchlist.
