UN Women Raises Alarm Over Displacement of 620,000 Women and Girls in Lebanon
The United Nations Women agency has issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating humanitarian conditions for women and girls in Lebanon, disclosing that at least 620,000 have been displaced following the recent escalation of conflict. Gielan El Messiri, the UN Women Representative in Lebanon, emphasized in a statement that this crisis has disproportionately impacted women and girls, who now constitute more than half of the displaced population in the country.
Widespread Impact Across Communities
El Messiri highlighted that the displacement figure represents nearly a quarter of all women and girls in Lebanon, affecting diverse groups including Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, and migrant communities. She explained that the conflict has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities, such as limited access to income, weak legal protections, and inadequate social services, thereby increasing vulnerabilities for women.
Dangerous Living Conditions and Heightened Risks
According to the UN Women representative, approximately 85 percent of displaced women and girls are residing outside formal shelters, often in overcrowded apartments and informal settlements, particularly in areas like Beirut and Mount Lebanon. "These conditions are not only difficult but dangerous, increasing exposure to exploitation, abuse and gender-based violence," she stated. El Messiri added that the disruption of protection and justice systems has made it more challenging for victims to report violations or seek assistance.
Dire Coping Mechanisms and Health Concerns
The crisis has forced affected women to adopt severe coping strategies, including skipping meals to ensure their children are fed. Elderly women face life-threatening risks due to a lack of medication for chronic illnesses. Furthermore, shortages of hygiene supplies and limited access to healthcare have compelled some pregnant women to give birth in unsafe conditions, while mental health issues, such as constant fear, sleeplessness, and exhaustion, continue to rise among displaced populations.
Resilience and Humanitarian Efforts
Despite these overwhelming challenges, El Messiri praised the resilience of women, noting that many are leading humanitarian response efforts by supporting displaced families and helping maintain stability within affected communities. In response, UN Women is scaling up interventions across major displacement hubs, including:
- Protection services to safeguard against violence and exploitation.
- Cash-for-work initiatives to provide economic opportunities.
- Livelihood support programmes to enhance self-sufficiency.
Call for International Action
The agency has reiterated the United Nations Secretary-General's call for immediate de-escalation of the conflict, respect for international humanitarian law, and urgent expansion of gender-responsive humanitarian assistance to address the specific needs of women and girls in Lebanon.
