The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched an urgent appeal to raise USD 32.46 million to support 400,000 people displaced by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. As violence along the borders intensifies, tens of thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters. Since October 2023, IOM has been providing crucial life-saving aid, including essential relief items, protection services, and health support to those affected. The organization is also monitoring internal displacement to better coordinate its efforts.
Amy Pope, IOM’s Director General, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, calling on the international community to respond quickly to prevent further suffering. She highlighted the growing severity of the crisis, with over 1,600 deaths and 6,000 injuries reported so far. IOM teams are active in several regions across Lebanon, including Beirut, Mount Lebanon, the North, the Beqaa Valley, and the South, as well as at the Syrian border, where 175,000 people have fled from violence.
By late September, IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix identified 346,209 internally displaced persons, including over 31,000 families who are taking shelter in 820 collective centers across the country. Many of the displaced are migrants, including female domestic workers, who face a severe shortage of adequate shelter options. IOM stresses the need for an inclusive response to ensure that displaced Lebanese, migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations receive the support they need during this crisis.
Mathieu Luciano, the Head of IOM’s Office in Beirut, said that this appeal is part of a larger, coordinated effort involving UN agencies and humanitarian organizations working together to address the growing humanitarian needs in Lebanon. The funds raised through this appeal will allow IOM to continue providing life-saving support and help expand its operations to reach more people in need as the crisis continues.
The escalating conflict has created immense challenges, not only for those directly affected by the violence but also for the host communities providing refuge. Many families are living in desperate conditions, and the need for immediate aid is becoming more urgent by the day. The appeal aims to provide the necessary resources to ensure that displaced families can live in safety and dignity while the conflict rages on.
IOM’s efforts are a part of a broader international response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. As the violence continues, the organization’s ability to provide assistance will depend on the support and contributions from governments and donors worldwide. The success of this appeal is critical in ensuring that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable people caught in the conflict.
This initiative highlights the importance of international solidarity and collaboration to address one of the most pressing crises in the region, as hundreds of thousands of people continue to face displacement, insecurity, and an uncertain future.