‘Women and girls cannot wait’: Lebanon’s crisis is putting lives at risk
Women and girls cannot wait’: Lebanon’s crisis is putting lives at risk
Women and girls cannot wait - As the conflict in Lebanon persists even after a ceasefire was declared, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has raised urgent concerns about the growing threat to women and girls. The agency emphasized that the situation is worsening, with displaced populations and ongoing violence creating a critical emergency for reproductive health. Families across the country are now navigating a landscape of fear, forced to make difficult decisions to ensure their safety in the face of relentless attacks.
The recent escalation of hostilities in Beirut and the intensification of strikes in southern Lebanon have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. These events have not only disrupted daily life but also pushed communities into a state of heightened anxiety. For many, the search for shelter has become a priority, often at the expense of other essential needs. The UNFPA's Representative in Lebanon, Anandita Philipose, highlighted how this uncertainty is compounding existing challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and girls.
Impact of Infrastructure Damage
Over the weekend, two critical incidents underscored the dire consequences of the conflict on healthcare access. A UNFPA-supported primary healthcare facility in southern Lebanon was struck by airstrikes, destroying what had been a vital safe space for women and girls. This center, one of the few remaining operational in the region, was previously offering essential services to those in need. The damage has left many without reliable medical care, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
Another attack targeted a public hospital that provided maternal healthcare services, further straining an already overburdened system. Philipose noted via video call from Cairo, Egypt, that such strikes are not just symbolic but have real, life-threatening implications. Among the displaced are approximately 13,500 pregnant women, with 1,500 expected to deliver within the next 30 days. This group faces significant challenges in accessing safe delivery spaces and skilled medical assistance, putting their lives and the health of their unborn children at risk.
Currently, around 1,500 women remain in southern Lebanon without consistent access to skilled care or secure environments for childbirth. “When maternity wards and hospitals are damaged or destroyed, it is pregnant women who cannot receive life-saving services,” Philipose stated, underscoring the immediate consequences of infrastructure destruction. The lack of access to essential healthcare facilities has created a crisis that demands urgent attention.
Challenges in Shelters
Compounding the healthcare crisis are the deteriorating conditions in temporary shelters. Safety assessments conducted by the UNFPA revealed overcrowding, inadequate lighting, insufficient privacy, and unsafe sanitation facilities. These issues are not merely inconvenient; they increase the likelihood of gender-based violence, especially for adolescent girls, women living alone, and individuals with disabilities.
Philipose expressed alarm at the growing vulnerability of these groups, citing the shelter conditions as a significant risk factor. The cramped living spaces and limited resources create an environment where women and girls may face greater exposure to violence, further complicating their ability to seek safety and support. This situation highlights the need for comprehensive solutions that address both physical and psychological well-being.
Humanitarian Efforts and Funding Gaps
Despite the challenges, the UNFPA continues to operate alongside local partners and Lebanese authorities to provide critical services. Mobile maternal health units are now a lifeline for communities in remote areas, offering essential care where traditional facilities have been rendered inoperable. These efforts include psychosocial support and protection assistance, which are vital for addressing the emotional and physical toll of the crisis.
However, the agency’s emergency operations are heavily dependent on funding, and current resources are insufficient. Philipose explained that the initial emergency appeal is only 30% funded, leaving a gap that must be addressed to sustain vital programs. The UNFPA is now seeking $25 million to continue its activities through August, ensuring that essential services remain available to those in need.
Without immediate and sustained financial support, the humanitarian consequences could escalate rapidly. Philipose warned that failing to meet this funding target would force mobile teams to reduce their operations or cease functioning entirely. This would mean cutting off access to critical care for over 75,000 women, including those who require protection from gender-based violence and support for maternal health.
“Scaling down our operations means cutting off more than 75,000 women from critical gender-based violence protection, case management, and safe spaces at the exact moment that they need it the most.”
The agency’s ongoing efforts are a testament to the resilience of local partners and the dedication of humanitarian workers. However, the scale of the crisis requires more than just continued support—it demands a coordinated response to prevent irreversible damage to the health and well-being of women and girls. The situation in Lebanon serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of conflict, displacement, and reproductive health, highlighting the urgent need for global solidarity.
As the crisis unfolds, the focus on women and girls remains central to any effective recovery strategy. Their unique challenges—ranging from access to healthcare to the risk of violence—demand tailored interventions that address both immediate and long-term needs. The UNFPA’s warning underscores that without action, the consequences of this crisis will extend far beyond the present moment, affecting future generations and deepening existing inequalities.