World Vision Lebanon urges protection of children as renewed escalation displaces over 55,000 people

3 March 2026

World Vision Lebanon is deeply concerned by the renewed escalation of hostilities affecting parts of the country and the resulting displacement of more than 55,000 people (over 12,000 families) primarily from the South, Bekaa, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. The organisation urgently calls on all parties engaged in the recent escalation to immediately de-escalate, and prioritise the protection of civilians, with a particular focus on the more than 1 million children in Lebanon already in need of humanitarian assistance.

Children are once again bearing the brunt of the violence. Renewed hostilities place them at heightened risk of psychological distress, disrupted education, family separation, and deteriorating living conditions. Many of these children have already endured repeated cycles of conflict and displacement, compounding existing vulnerabilities driven by economic hardship and limited access to essential services.

Families continue to seek safety in overcrowded collective shelters, where uncertainty and instability further strain children’s wellbeing and sense of security.

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

“All children deserve to grow up in a community and a country shaped by peace, not conflict. Today, thousands of children in Lebanon are once again carrying fear instead of schoolbags, uncertainty instead of stability. For many, the sound of explosions has become part of childhood. This is not normal and it should never be accepted as such. We urgently call on all parties to protect children and civilians and to prevent further harm to their safety, wellbeing and future.”

World Vision Lebanon has been responding since the early hours of the escalation with pre-positioned emergency supplies enabling a rapid initial response. Response teams have already reached 5,552 internally displaced people (IDPs) with hot meals and ready-to-eat food items across affected areas. The organisation is also adapting its school snack support programme to continue reaching children in emergency shelters with healthy and nutritious food. 

As displacement continues, humanitarian needs are expected to rise. Children urgently require psychosocial support, safe spaces, protection services, and continued access to education to prevent long-term harm.

World Vision Lebanon continues to assess needs on the ground and is scaling up its emergency response in coordination with partners to reach the most vulnerable children and families.

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:
Maya_Bounassar@wvi.org | +961 3950516