- Over 12,000 families (55,000+ people) have been displaced in Lebanon due to renewed hostilities, with one million children needing humanitarian aid
- World Vision has provided emergency supplies and hot meals to 5,552 displaced people, adapting school snack programmes for children in shelters
- Children face increased risks including psychological distress, disrupted education, family separation and poor living conditions in overcrowded shelters
- World Vision is calling for immediate de-escalation and protection of civilians, particularly children who need psychosocial support and education
- The organisation has been working in the Middle East for over 50 years, providing emergency assistance and long-term development support
For queries and media requests, please contact:
Domi Gonzales at [email protected] or 0413 788 380.
World Vision is responding to renewed hostilities in Lebanon that have displaced over 12,000 families – more than 55,000 people – primarily from the South, Bekaa, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, with more than one million children already in need of humanitarian assistance.
Children are once again bearing the brunt of the violence, facing heightened risk of psychological distress, disrupted education, family separation, and deteriorating living conditions. Many 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.
World Vision Lebanon National Director Heidi Diedrich said the escalation was robbing children of any semblance of a normal childhood.
“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 Australia CEO Grant Bayldon said Australians watching the crisis unfold should not feel powerless.
“World Vision’s work is possible through its generous supporters, and we are already on the ground, responding right now, getting food and support to families who desperately need it.
“This is an invitation to make a real, tangible difference. Every contribution helps us reach more children and families caught in this crisis. Australians have always stepped up when it matters. It matters right now.”
World Vision has been responding since the early hours of the escalation with pre-positioned emergency supplies, already reaching 5,552 displaced people with hot meals and ready-to-eat food. The organisation is also adapting its school snack programme to continue reaching children in emergency shelters with nutritious food.
World Vision urgently calls on all parties to immediately de-escalate and prioritise the protection of civilians: particularly children, who urgently require psychosocial support, safe spaces, protection services, and continued access to education to prevent long-term harm.
Australians can find out more about World Vision’s Middle East Crisis Response here.
Notes to editors:
- World Vision has been working across the Middle East for more than 50 years, delivering life-saving assistance and long-term development to vulnerable children and families including emergency food, clean water, healthcare, education, child protection, and psychosocial support.
- As displacement continues, humanitarian needs are expected to rise. World Vision Lebanon continues to assess needs on the ground and is scaling up its emergency response in coordination with partners.
- Australians can support World Vision’s work at worldvision.com.au.
About us:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision and their partners are working in communities to improve families’ economic prospects, strengthen violence prevention and child protection services, and improve education systems. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Contact details:
For queries and media requests, please contact:
Domi Gonzales at [email protected] or 0413 788 380.
