Displaced Families Face Barriers to Returning to Southern Lebanon
Provpnmatrix.com – As the ongoing conflict drags on across Lebanon, communities are experiencing mounting devastation. Families find themselves increasingly deprived of basic necessities, including adequate shelter, medical care, and other vital services that sustain daily life. The human toll continues to grow as the crisis deepens.
Independent human rights specialists designated by the UN Human Rights Council issued a stark warning on Wednesday. They emphasized that ordinary civilians are bearing a “devastating and disproportionate toll” from the fighting. Their assessment highlighted that numerous homes have been reduced to rubble, entire municipalities have become isolated, and many neighborhoods in southern Lebanon remain difficult or impossible to reach.
Consequently, thousands of people who were forced to flee their homes cannot yet make the journey back. The destruction and ongoing hostilities have created conditions that prevent safe return for many families.
A Growing Death Toll and Injury Count
The human cost of the conflict has been substantial. Official reports indicate that more than 4,300 individuals have lost their lives since 2 March. Among the deceased are 392 women and 253 children, representing a significant portion of the casualties. Additionally, the injury count has surpassed 12,000 people, many of whom require ongoing medical attention and support.
The experts clarified the purpose and limitations of evacuation measures. They stated that evacuation serves as an exceptional and strictly temporary response. Such measures should only be employed to safeguard civilian populations or address urgent military necessities. Evacuation must not become a tool for depopulating regions or establishing long-term occupation.
Evacuation is an exceptional and strictly temporary measure. It may only be used to protect the safety of civilians or for imperative military reasons, not to depopulate and occupy areas.
Furthermore, the specialists underscored that civilians maintain the right to return voluntarily and safely to their residences once the conditions that originally justified their displacement come to an end.
Women and Children Bear Heavy Burdens
The humanitarian impact has proven particularly severe for women and children. Since hostilities intensified in March, approximately 620,000 women and girls have been displaced from their homes. This figure includes roughly 16,000 pregnant women who face additional challenges during their journeys and while living in temporary accommodations.
Reports indicate that many women are delivering babies in overcrowded shelters. Hospitals and maternity facilities have either suffered damage or been compelled to close their doors, leaving mothers and newborns without access to essential medical care during critical moments.
Forced displacement has exposed women and girls to heightened risks of violence and abuse, while the destruction of healthcare services has deprived many of essential reproductive and maternal healthcare.
The specialists also expressed concern regarding allegations that white phosphorus has been deployed in residential zones. They warned that this chemical substance can inflict severe burns, cause respiratory damage, and produce lasting health consequences, with children and pregnant women being especially vulnerable to its effects.
The protection of civilians, including women and girls, in times of war is not optional for any warring party. It is a legal obligation that must be urgently upheld.
The experts concluded by calling upon all involved parties to respect international humanitarian law, safeguard civilian populations, and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons when circumstances permit.
It is worth noting that these independent experts do not serve as UN employees, receive no compensation for their contributions, and function autonomously from any government or institutional affiliation.
