Geneva/Beirut, 5 November 2024: In the wake of the dramatic escalation of hostilities in Lebanon in September, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has today launched a Federation-wide Emergency Appeal for 100 million Swiss Francs.
The ‘Lebanon: Complex Emergency Appeal’ aims to provide immediate and long-term relief to around 600,000 people affected by the conflict there and to support the critical ambulance services of the Lebanese Red Cross, whose volunteers have been on high alert since October last year.
From the outset of escalations, the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) mobilised its staff and volunteers and activated contingency plans to address the ongoing crisis, with support from the IFRC, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.
The severe escalation of hostilities has led to widespread destruction and mass displacement in Lebanon, exacerbating an already dire socio-economic situation, and necessitating a new appeal to address the rapidly evolving humanitarian situation there more effectively.
With winter approaching and many people now homeless or living in overcrowded conditions without proper heating, the LRC is crucial to the humanitarian response, providing essential relief including food, water, first aid, ambulance services, primary healthcare, hygiene kits and psychosocial support.
"We are seeing a huge need for basic goods to help the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes. Many are now staying with family members or living in temporary shelters, such as schools," said Lotte Ruppert, Operations Manager for the IFRC in Beirut.
"Going back to their houses is not an option at this moment, as the conflict areas are still very dangerous. On top of that, we are concerned for the safety of all health workers, including LRC volunteers, especially in the south of Lebanon.”
On a visit to Beirut to launch the appeal and meet with the LRC, Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC, said,
“Humanitarian needs in Lebanon are growing by the day. The funds raised in this appeal will allow the Lebanese Red Cross to sustain their life saving programmes and to reach far more people with far more positive impact. The needs are immense. I urge potential donors to do what they can to help contribute.”
As the country faces one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades, the launch of this new Emergency Appeal will ensure a robust IFRC-wide response to the current crisis in Lebanon, while also addressing the longer-term consequences through recovery efforts.
In parallel, the Middle East Complex Emergency Crisis Appeal will remain active until December 2025, covering the Red Cross Red Crescent response across the region. From November 2024, contributions to support the response efforts in Lebanon should be directed through this new Lebanon Complex Emergency Appeal.
For more information, please contact:
In Geneva:
Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79708 4367
Hannah Copeland +41 76 236 9109
In Beirut:
Mey Al Sayegh, +961 7617 4468
Bastiaan van Blokland, +31 6 46 80 80 96
