What is Happening in Lebanon Now?

Lebanon was in the headlines last August due to the devastating and shocking Beirut Blast. However, before the blast and since, the country has fallen deeper and deeper into an economic, health and political crisis that has made everyday life difficult for its residents.

• The entire country is predicted to lose access to clean water in the coming days. UNICEF have stated that 71% of the population will lose access to safe water this summer.
• The Lebanese currency has lost 90% of its value and food and fuel prices have skyrocketed.
• People are unable to afford petrol and cannot get to work. Lines for petrol are hours long and this has led to unrest and violence.
• Imports are severely restricted and medicines have run out in pharmacies and hospitals. Vital treatments have been stopped including cancer treatment and this is happening as Covid19 continues to spread through a vulnerable population and broken healthcare sector.
• Diesel is in short supply. Hospitals are running out of diesel and are unable to keep operating life saving equipment. It is reported that 200 people have already died due to this, including kidney dialysis patients.
• There are over 1.5 million refugees in Lebanon. They are already vulnerable and the crisis is reducing the support available to them.
• The ongoing crisis is causing concerns of potential violence, civil unrest and increase in criminality and exploitation. Children, especially refugee children are especially vulnerable.