Caritas Australia has been supporting Caritas Lebanon since the launch of its Lebanon Crisis Appeal in May 2024.
At that stage, the support primarily dealt with the impacts of the economic crisis, including rent and cash assistance for bills and school fees, the provision of primary healthcare, covering of medical fees, mobile clinics supporting those with a disability and the elderly, as well as protection services for women facing gender-based violence.
Now, conflict is escalating quicky with both parties scaling up attacks. Intensified air raids have triggered new displacement from the south and Bekaa to Mount Lebanon in the north.
Amid the new wave of displacement, Caritas partners are already mobilising to provide emergency assistance, including:
-
Providing medical, food and hygiene support to a collective shelter.
-
Preparing emergency stock and warehouses.
-
Providing emotional and social support, as well as cash for shelter for displaced and conflict-affected families.
-
Preparing partner centres to serve as shelters.
-
Distributing household and hygiene supplies to municipalities.
-
Preparing to distribute hot meals.
Kirsten Sayers, Interim CEO at Caritas Australia said, “Our partners told us last year that the crisis is continual. When they think they have reached the bottom, it gets worse with over 80% of people now living in poverty. This is not a population that can withstand a war and the displacement that brings.”
“Many people flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They face hunger, thirst and do not know where they will sleep. It is also a time when those already vulnerable – women, children, the sick, elderly and disabled – become more vulnerable. They need information, food, blankets, medicine, water, and many other supplies. At Caritas we are holding our brothers and sisters in Lebanon in our hearts as we respond to that need.”
