Beirut, 2 October – As hostilities in Lebanon intensifies, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a Flash Appeal to raise USD 32.46 million to assist 400,000 people affected by the crisis over the next three months.  

Tens of thousands of families have fled their homes due to increasing cross-border attacks, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters. Since October 2023, IOM has scaled up its provision of immediate lifesaving assistance, including essential relief items, protection services, and health support. The Organization is also supporting partners by tracking internal displacement.   

“This massive crisis demands urgent action,” said Amy Pope, IOM's Director General. “Circumstances are extremely dire, and the needs are immense. We call on the international community to provide the resources needed to ensure the safety and dignity of displaced families.”   

The situation in Lebanon is rapidly worsening. More than 1,600 lives have been lost and 6,000 others have been injured in recent weeks. IOM’s emergency response teams are delivering aid across Beirut, Mount Lebanon, the North, the Beqaa Valley, the South, and at the Syrian border, where over 175,000 Syrians and Lebanese have fled due to the violence.  

As of 30 September, IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) identified 346,209 internally displaced persons (IDPs), including over 31,000 families (137,000 individuals) living in 820 collective shelters across the country.   

Many of Lebanon's 177,000 migrants, including female migrant domestic workers, have also been forced to flee in search of safety but face limited shelter options. IOM stresses the need for an inclusive response, ensuring that all those in need including displaced Lebanese, migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations receive the support they need.  

“Our appeal is part of a larger coordinated effort with UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to scale up response efforts in Lebanon,” said Mathieu Luciano, IOM's Head of Office in Beirut. The USD 32.46 million sought will help sustain IOM’s life-saving operations through the end of the year. We are ready to scale up to help even more people as needed.”  

For more information and to support, please visit IOM Lebanon Flash Appeal 2024. 

For more information please contact:   

In Beirut: Joelle Mhanna, jmhanna@iom.int  

In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int  

In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, Kokoth@iom.int