Lebanon’s Displaced Children Face Mounting Trauma and Educational Crisis
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is taking a devastating toll on Lebanon, with nearly 700,000 people displaced, including around 200,000 children. This mass displacement is triggering a surge in psychological distress among children, according to Leana Podeszfa, the local coordinator for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The stress of displacement is manifesting as sleep disturbances, heightened anxiety, and increased aggression among children.
A Million on the Move: The Scale of the Crisis
Approximately one million people in Lebanon are currently displaced, with over a third being minors. Evacuations have impacted areas in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut since early March due to escalating Israeli strikes. The UNHCR is providing psychosocial support to help children cope with the trauma of losing their homes, friends, and familiar surroundings.
Play as Therapy: Rebuilding a Sense of Normalcy
UNHCR staff are utilizing play-based interventions to help children regain a sense of normalcy. “By encouraging them to play, we can provide a small piece of normality,” Podeszfa explained. While some children initially struggle to engage, consistent encouragement and inclusion eventually help them open up and participate in therapeutic activities.
The Threat of a “Lost Generation”
Beyond the immediate psychological impact, the disruption to education poses a long-term threat. Children are falling behind in their studies, with some unable to read or write at the appropriate age level. This educational setback is particularly concerning for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, potentially creating a “lost generation.”
The pandemic already caused significant disruptions to schooling, especially in state-run schools. The current crisis exacerbates these existing challenges, widening the gap between the rich and poor and hindering social mobility.
Returning to School: A Vital Priority
Podeszfa emphasized the importance of returning children to school, not only to restore a sense of routine but also to address pre-existing educational deficits. The UNHCR is working to support educational initiatives and ensure that displaced children have access to learning opportunities.
Did you know? Displacement can have long-lasting effects on a child’s cognitive and emotional development, impacting their future opportunities.
The Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon
The crisis in Lebanon is unfolding against a backdrop of existing economic hardship and political instability. The influx of displaced people is straining already limited resources and exacerbating the humanitarian situation. According to OCHA, 294 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured in Lebanon in the first eight days of the conflict. Israeli evacuation orders have been issued multiple times, covering areas south of the Litani River and parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs.
FAQ
Q: How many people are currently displaced in Lebanon?
A: Nearly 700,000 people, including around 200,000 children, are currently displaced in Lebanon.
Q: What is the UNHCR doing to help?
A: The UNHCR is providing psychosocial support, shelter, and other forms of assistance to displaced people in Lebanon.
Q: What are the long-term consequences of this displacement?
A: The displacement could lead to a “lost generation” of children who fall behind in their education and experience lasting psychological trauma.
Pro Tip: Supporting organizations like UNHCR can provide vital assistance to displaced families and help mitigate the long-term effects of the crisis.
Learn more about the UNHCR’s work in Lebanon: https://www.unhcr.org/where-we-work/countries/lebanon
Stay informed about the humanitarian situation in the Middle East: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/03/1167098
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