UNICEF has reported that 500,000 children in Lebanon are unable to attend school amidst ongoing Israeli bombardment. UNICEF’s Ettie Higgins highlighted the severe trauma these children endure, exacerbated by airstrikes and economic instability. Despite a ceasefire, many remain out of school and suffer from food insecurity, particularly in the eastern regions.
UNICEF has reported that 500,000 children in Lebanon are currently unable to attend school due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment and the resultant crisis in the country. The deputy representative of UNICEF in Lebanon, Ettie Higgins, provided a sobering overview of the harsh realities faced by these children during a recent briefing in Geneva. The ongoing violence has inflicted severe trauma and hardship on the population, particularly among the youth.
Higgins emphasized that despite a declared ceasefire, regions like Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley continue to suffer from frequent airstrikes, severely impacting the lives of children. They are at a heightened risk of not only physical danger but also food insecurity, which has significantly increased over the past year. “More than half of children under the age of 2 in the eastern regions of Lebanon are experiencing severe food insecurity. This is more than double compared to a year ago,” she stated, highlighting the dire conditions these children are facing.
The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is exacerbated by several factors including economic instability, ongoing teacher strikes, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have all contributed to the fragility of the education system. Even with the ceasefire that was established in November, UNICEF reports that more than 25% of children remained out of school as of last month, indicating a significant and ongoing educational disruption that needs urgent attention.
In conclusion, the situation in Lebanon, particularly regarding children’s education, is alarming. With half a million children out of school, compounded by severe food insecurity and the challenges posed by economic instability, immediate action is required to address this humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict and its effects threaten not only the immediate safety of these children but also their long-term prospects for education and wellbeing.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
