No safe place: Children in Lebanon face rising protection risks amid expanding hostilities, World Vision warns

BEIRUT (April 9, 2026) – Christian humanitarian organization World Vision warns the recent surge in airstrikes across Lebanon is placing already vulnerable children and families at immediate and increasing risk of harm. 

Intensifying airstrikes in densely populated areas of Beirut, the Bekaa, and southern Lebanon are forcing families to flee their homes – often multiple times – seeking safety.  Many are sheltering in overcrowded collective centers, on the streets, in tents and cars, or with host communities already under strain.  

In parts of southern Lebanon, damage to critical civilian infrastructure such as bridges, schools, and health facilities is severely restricting movement and increasingly isolating communities limiting access to essential goods, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance. 

Children are bearing the heaviest burden. Many have been uprooted from their homes time and time again, separated from familiar environments, and exposed to ongoing trauma. More than one million people – including over 390,000 children – are now displaced, further compounding humanitarian needs across the country. Disruptions to education, the lack of safe spaces, and growing pressure on families are heightening risks of psychosocial distress, abuse, and exploitation.  

“This latest escalation is devastating for children who have already faced far too much,” said Heidi Diedrich, World Vision’s national director in Lebanon. “From Beirut to the Bekaa and the south of the country, children are living through fear, displacement, and loss. For children who have already endured years of crises, this latest escalation is compounding fear, uncertainty, and increasing the risks of long-term harm. 

“Every hour matters. Children must be protected, and the international community must act now to prevent further suffering. We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately de-escalate and work towards lasting peace, while allowing for humanitarian aid and access to be scaled up.” 

Humanitarian access remains severely constrained or fully blocked due to insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and movement restrictions, limiting the ability of organizations – such as World Vision – to reach those most in need. Essential services, including access to healthcare, clean water, education, and child protection, are under extreme strain as needs continue to rise.  

Since March 2, World Vision has provided life-saving assistance – including food, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support – to more than 141,000 displaced people, including over 50,000 children.  However, the scale and intensity of the crisis require urgent and sustained international support to ensure that every child still has the chance to live in safety and dignity. 

World Vision underscores the urgent need to:  

• Immediately de-escalate hostilities and work towards lasting peace 

• Protect children, families, health care workers, paramedics, and civilian infrastructure  

• Ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, particularly to hard-to-reach areas impacted in Beirut, the Bekaa, and South Lebanon 

• Scale up flexible humanitarian funding to meet rapidly growing needs across the country. 

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.