Protect Lebanon’s children: End the atrocities and escalating violence now

EMERGENCIES - 26 September 2024

Protect Lebanon's children: End the atrocities and escalating violence now

We are deeply alarmed by the escalating conflict in Lebanon and the overall increase in the number of children affected by armed conflicts globally. As in other war-torn regions, children's lives are being destroyed as they face daily dangers and violations of their rights. The relentless bombardment of residential areas is tearing families apart and leaving children in unimaginable danger.

We are deeply alarmed by the escalating conflict in Lebanon and the overall increase in the number of children affected by armed conflicts globally. As in other war-torn regions, children's lives are being destroyed as they face daily dangers and violations of their rights. The relentless bombardment of residential areas is tearing families apart and leaving children in unimaginable danger.

A growing number of children are among the dead. Children are being separated from their parents or caregivers. They face displacement and disruption to their learning. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian residential areas represents a blatant violation of International Law.

The rights of children - as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - are being violated. These include their right to life, survival, development, education, protection from abuse, violence, or neglect, access to healthcare, and adequate nutrition.

The ongoing violence, coupled with Lebanon's already dire situation, where daily life is marred by shortages of food, electricity, and fuel, and the deterioration of social systems have made the situation for children and their families increasingly devastating. Children are losing family members, homes, and the sense of safety they so desperately need.

SOS Children's Villages International calls on all parties to the conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law as well as International Human Rights Laws, especially those relevant to children. The violence must end, and civilians, especially children, must be protected.

We demand immediate and safe humanitarian access to ensure that civilians, especially children, can be evacuated to safe places. Shelters and civilian infrastructure must be respected and protected from any attack. Children and their families should be ensured access to food, shelter, medical care, including vital mental health and psycho-social support.

Children's lives should be protected; therefore, an immediate ceasefire is needed. The international community must act swiftly and intensify diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. War has no place in the lives of thousands of children.