Urgent relief aid for internal displaced persons
In the shadow of an already crippling socio-economic crisis, Lebanon finds itself once again at the epicenter of a storm that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of its society. The escalation of conflict in southern Lebanon in mid-September 2024 is not merely a localized skirmish but a catastrophic event that has sent shockwaves through the entire nation, leaving in its wake a trail of human suffering and desperation.
This latest crisis is a harrowing sequel to the tensions that began on October 7, 2023, when the region was plunged into chaos by warlike operations. What started as cross-border tensions has now erupted into a full-blown humanitarian emergency, with the specter of a protracted conflict looming ominously on the horizon.
The numbers paint a grim picture of the unfolding tragedy. As of October 20, 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported 19,646 internally displaced persons in Lebanon. However, the situation has deteriorated dramatically since then. Now, in the wake of the mid-September 2024 escalation, we are witnessing an exodus of biblical proportions. There are more than 1,200,000 internally displaced people (IDP) in Lebanon who have moved in two days only. Thousands of families have been uprooted from their homes, fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs, desperately seeking safety in a country already stretched to its breaking point.
Lebanon, a nation once known as the "Switzerland of the Middle East," is now a crucible of human suffering. The country is grappling with an unprecedented socio-economic crisis that has brought its health system to its knees and pushed millions into poverty. Basic services, once taken for granted, have become luxury items for many. The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value, turning savings into worthless paper and dreams into dust.
Against this backdrop of economic collapse, Lebanon has been hosting over 2 million Syrian refugees, a burden that has strained the resources of host communities to the breaking point. Now, with this new wave of internal displacement, these communities face an impossible choice between their own survival and their deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.
The areas most affected by this crisis are a stark testament to the inequality that plagues the nation. The North-Eastern suburbs of Beirut, one of the poorest and most densely populated areas in the country, have become a refuge for many of the displaced. Here, in the shadows of the capital's glittering high-rises, families crowd into makeshift shelters, their futures as uncertain as the stability of the nation itself.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati's announcement of an emergency response plan is a desperate attempt to stem the tide of this humanitarian disaster. But in a country where political gridlock and economic freefall have become the norm, such plans often fall short of the monumental needs on the ground.
It is in this context of acute crisis and chronic instability that the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Lebanon steps forward. With our extensive network of volunteers and our unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable, we stand as a beacon of hope in these dark times. Our conferences are on the front lines, witnessing firsthand the desperation of 500 families who have lost everything. We have provided what little we can—food, sanitary products, medicines—but the need far outstrips our current resources.
The clock is ticking, and the situation grows more dire with each passing day. Reports suggest that this conflict will be long-lasting, meaning that the flow of displaced persons is likely to increase, not diminish. Without immediate and substantial intervention, we face the very real prospect of a lost generation, scarred by displacement, poverty, and the trauma of conflict.
This is not just a crisis; it is a defining moment for Lebanon and for humanity. The choices we make now will echo through the lives of thousands of families and shape the future of an entire nation. In the face of such overwhelming need, we must act decisively, with compassion and courage.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Lebanon, with its deep roots in the community and its commitment to serving the most vulnerable, is uniquely positioned to provide immediate, effective, and dignified assistance to these internally displaced persons. But we cannot do it alone. We need your support to turn the tide of this humanitarian catastrophe and to rekindle hope in the hearts of those who have lost everything.
2: Project Summary
Our Conferences are in direct contact with these new internally displaced persons, Many of them in the North-Eastern suburbs of Beirut, one of the poorest and most populated areas. They have visited 15500 families, providing them, to the extent of their current means, with essential support such as food, sanitary products, and medicines. However, the flow of displaced persons does not seem likely to decrease, with reports predicting that this war will be long-lasting. We propose an emergency relief project aimed at supporting internally displaced persons in Lebanon, particularly in the entire Metn region of the Mount Lebanon district. This initiative aims to provide vital assistance to 500 families affected by internal displacement and the consequences of the current crisis. The main components of the project for 500 families over 3 months include:
a) Distribution of food parcels
b) Distribution of sanitary/hygiene kits
c) Provision of Mattresses
Critical and Immediate Needs
Our project addresses the most pressing needs of the displaced population:
a) Food Security: With the economic crisis driving food inflation to astronomical levels, many displaced families face the real risk of hunger and malnutrition. Our food parcel distribution will provide a vital lifeline, ensuring that families can meet their basic nutritional needs during this critical period.
b) Hygiene and Sanitation: In crowded displacement settings, the risk of disease outbreaks is high. By providing sanitary and hygiene kits, we not only preserve the dignity of displaced individuals but also play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, which could quickly overwhelm the fragile health system.
c) Basic Comfort and Shelter: The provision of mattresses might seem simple, but it's a critical component of our response. Proper rest is essential for physical and mental health, especially for those dealing with the trauma of displacement. These mattresses will provide a basic level of comfort for families who have lost everything.
4. Leveraging Local Expertise and Networks
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Lebanon since 1860 is uniquely positioned to implement this project effectively.
a) Established Presence: Our Conferences are already on the ground, with seven in the North-Eastern suburbs of Beirut and three in the capital's poor neighborhoods. This existing infrastructure allows for immediate action and ensures that aid reaches those most in need.
b) Community Trust: As a long-standing organization in Lebanon, we have built strong relationships within communities. This trust is crucial for effective aid distribution and for identifying the most vulnerable families.
c) Volunteer Network: Our extensive network of dedicated volunteers allows us to implement this project efficiently, ensuring that the majority of funds go directly to aid rather than administrative costs.
Preventing Long-term Consequences
Swift action now can prevent a host of long-term, costly problems:
a) Health Crises: By providing food and hygiene supplies, we can prevent malnutrition and disease outbreaks that could have long-lasting impacts on individuals and further strain the health system.
b) Social Cohesion: Addressing the needs of displaced persons quickly can help maintain social cohesion and prevent tensions between displaced populations and host communities.
c) Economic Impact: Supporting displaced families now can prevent them from falling into extreme poverty, which would require more intensive and expensive interventions in the future.
Conclusion
We are seeking your financial support to implement this vital emergency relief project in Lebanon. The current situation requires an immediate response to alleviate the suffering of internally displaced persons and provide essential assistance. Saint Vincent de Paul Lebanon is ready to coordinate and implement this project effectively and transparently.
We thank you for your consideration and are available for any additional information. Your support will contribute to bringing much-needed relief to these vulnerable families in Lebanon.
