Toronto, ON, April 30, 2026 – Plan International is gravely concerned by the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) update for Lebanon, which projects that 1.2 million people in the country will face high levels of acute food insecurity from now until August 2026.

The situation is worst in the South of the country, which has been subjected to heavy bombing since early March despite an ongoing ceasefire.

In reaction to the findings, Plan International’s Program Director for Lebanon, Alam Janbein, said: 

“The latest IPC update is a stark warning. More than one million people in Lebanon are projected to face acute food insecurity in the coming months, with children and families already under enormous strain from economic hardship, displacement and the compounding impacts of conflict.” 

“Behind these figures are households being pushed to breaking point, including refugees, internally displaced people and communities still trying to recover from damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods and soaring living costs.”

“For girls, the deterioration in food security has immediate and long-term consequences. When families are under pressure, girls are often the first to reduce their food intake, the first to leave school, and the most exposed to risks including exploitation, early marriage and other forms of violence against girls.” 

“The projected deterioration is being driven in part by shortfalls in humanitarian assistance. Plan International urgently calls on donors and the international community to scale up support for Lebanon; protect and increase funding for food assistance and essential services; and invest in the country’s long-term recovery. Without sustained action now, more families will be pushed deeper into crisis.” 

“We call on all parties to respect the ceasefire to prevent this situation from deteriorating further.” 

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Children never start wars, but they suffer the most. To support children affected by war in Lebanon and other global crises, visit plancanada.ca/donate/children-in-crisis.

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Notes to editors

Plan International has been present in Lebanon since 2017. Since its latest crisis response began, it has distributed more than 4,900 hygiene kits; more than 14,300 food parcels; more than 2,000 dignity kits; 95 assistive devices to people with disabilities; and delivered multi-purpose cash assistance to nearly 2,000 households. It has provided assistance to more than 117,000 people.

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 with and for children for over 85 years and is 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 we will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

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