Toronto, ON, October 10, 2024 – The humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. As of October 9, more than 2,000 people have been killed, more than 9,800 injured and an estimated one million people have had to flee violence, of which 350,000 are children.

In response, the Humanitarian Coalition, which is comprised of 12 of Canada's largest humanitarian aid organizations, including Plan International Canada, has launched an urgent appeal for donations.

“We are devastated by the ongoing conflict in the region, and alarmed by the escalations of violence in Lebanon and the impacts this is having on children,” said Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO of Plan International Canada. “Children are always innocent victims of war and must be protected. Our teams in Lebanon are working quickly to provide food, water, hygiene kits, child protection and more, but the situation is growing more urgent by the hour.”

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced yesterday that the Government of Canada will match up to $3 million in individual donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its 12 member organizations. Donations made between September 24 and November 3, 2024, will be eligible for the match.

Plan International Canada, alongside the Humanitarian Coalition, calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, for all sides in the conflict to adhere to International Humanitarian Law, protect civilian lives, allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need as quickly as possible, and for the release of all hostages.

“Civilians, especially children, must never be targets,” said Glassco.

Humanitarian situation in Lebanon

• 2,083 people have lost their lives, 9,869 have been injured (including 690 children), and an estimated one million people have been directly affected or displaced since October 2023.
• The intense military escalation has caused mass displacement, mainly from southern Lebanon and Beirut's densely populated southern suburbs.
• The entire population is suffering psychological impacts and are deeply afraid for their safety due to the constant daily fly-by of drones and jets.
• Most displaced people require urgent assistance, having had to flee their homes rapidly without the basic items they need for daily life.
• The 978 shelters are almost full — schools, gymnasiums, and cultural centres urgently converted into accommodation. Many displaced people are currently sleeping on the streets and in parks throughout Beirut, and their conditions are becoming increasingly precarious. The progressively colder weather is expected to further complicate shelter issues.
• Displacement from Lebanon to Syria has also been reported. An estimated 285,000 people have crossed into Syria since September 23—the majority are women, children and people with disabilities. Of those moving into Syria, approximately 30% are Lebanese and 70% are Syrians crossing back. An estimated 60% of these people are children.
• Prior to the current escalation, poverty in Lebanon had more than tripled over the past decade reaching 44% of the total population.
• Lebanon (5.4 million people) hosts more refugees (1.5 million people) per capita than any other country in the world. Nine out of ten refugees in Lebanon are living in extreme poverty.

How Humanitarian Coalition members are responding

Members of the Humanitarian Coalition have been present in Lebanon for decades, and have been responding to this crisis in many ways:

• Emergency food aid: Tackling food scarcity by providing food packs containing meat, dates, bread, etc. Also facilitating access to clean water via water bottles and water trucks.
• Shelter & warmth: Distributing pillows, blankets and other shelter items.
• Emergency kits: Distributing hygiene kits, menstrual health management kits.
• Medical support: Supporting healthcare clinics and mobile units to continue providing emergency services, maternal health and newborn care, immunization, mobility aids, emergency rehabilitation, and psychological first aid and support.
• Protection: Providing services to prevent gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse. Also setting up child protection areas and assisting with family reunification.
• Emergency cash assistance: Providing cash to enable families to obtain what they need most urgently and appropriately and to support local markets.

Before the recent escalation in conflict, Plan International Lebanon had already been supporting over 28,000 internally displaced persons and has since drastically increased its efforts, distributing food kits, water, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and other essential items.

Canadians can help provide assistance to people affected by the emergency in Lebanon by donating at www.together.ca or by calling 1-855-461-2154

The Humanitarian Coalition brings together 12 leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during major international humanitarian emergencies. Its members are Action Against Hunger, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Doctors of the World, Humanity & Inclusion Canada, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan International Canada, Save the Children Canada, and World Vision Canada.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

Media contact

Plan International Canada
PR & Communications
PRteam@plancanada.ca