Children at Risk as Evacuation Orders Trigger New Wave of Displacement across Lebanon

6 March 2026 – World Vision Lebanon is calling for urgent protection and support for children as expanding evacuation orders and escalating insecurity trigger a new wave of internal displacement across Lebanon. 

More than 83,000 people – including 29,000 children – have been forced to flee their homes since the hostilities began, seeking refuge in collective shelters or with relatives in safer areas. Of the 399 collective shelters established across the country, 357 (89%) are already at full capacity, leaving many families with limited options for safe accommodation. 

Since the first hours of the escalation, World Vision Lebanon has reached more than 57,000 people, including more than 20,000 children, with blankets, hot meals, family hygiene kits, and mattresses among other supplies. However, humanitarian needs are expected to continue rising in the coming days, with thousands of children likely to require psychosocial support and protection services. 

Heidi Diedrich, National Director at World Vision Lebanon, said: 

“Every time families are forced to flee, children lose the little stability they have left. They leave behind their homes, schools, and sense of safety. They urgently need psychosocial support, protection and safe spaces where they can begin to feel like children again. 

“If the situation continues to escalate, thousands more children could be displaced in the coming days. We urge all parties to the conflict to de-escalate and work towards lasting peace. Lebanon’s children have already endured years of crisis, they should not be forced to face displacement, hunger, fear and trauma once again. 

“Immediate support from the international community is essential to ensure humanitarian organisations such as World Vision can respond quickly and at scale to the growing needs of displaced families.” 

Therese Boulos, Programme Manager at World Vision Lebanon and Bekaa-Baalbek Hermel Response Manager, said: 

“In the shelters, what stays with me most are the children. Many are still trying to understand why they had to leave their homes so suddenly. Some arrive cold and exhausted, clinging tightly to their parents as they step into a place that feels completely unfamiliar. In those moments, you see mothers and fathers doing everything they can to comfort their children, wrapping them in blankets, keeping them close, and trying to give them a sense of safety while so much around them feels uncertain.” 

Fares Samaha, Deputy Response Director and South Response Manager at World Vision Lebanon, said: 

“Over the past four days in the field, I have witnessed the remarkable strength of displaced families. People who had homes, routines and normal lives just days ago are now spending their nights in the cold and darkness with their children but still holding on to hope.” 

Notes to Editors: 

World Vision has been present in Lebanon for more than 50 years, delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance and long-term development programmes for vulnerable children and families. The organisation works with local partners to provide emergency food assistance, education support, child protection, clean water, healthcare, and psychosocial services in some of the country’s most fragile and crisis-affected communities. 

For more information, please contact: 

Maya Bou Nassar, Communications and Advocacy Manager at World Vision Lebanon I Email: Maya_Bounassar@wvi.org I Mobile: +961 3950516