AVSI Country Representative in Lebanon, Francesca Lazzari, described the humanitarian situation in the country, 60 days after the announced ceasefire with Israel and at the start of its extension.
The humanitarian consequences of the conflict
In the country, the humanitarian situation remains dramatic. The crisis in Lebanon, Lazzari explained, is not only due to the war but is the result of a profound economic and financial crisis that has been ongoing for five years. In this already difficult context, however, the conflict has certainly increased the vulnerabilities of the population.
Many families today can only meet their needs thanks to the aid received from humanitarian organizations. One hundred thousand people remain displaced because, for various reasons, they have not been able to return. Many of those who have returned found themselves without a home. In certain villages, nothing remains: there is a lack of water and electricity connections, and infrastructure and services have been damaged or completely destroyed. The lack of water means, in some cases, also a lack of work, as farmers cannot irrigate their fields.
AVSI's intervention
In this context, AVSI's work focuses particularly on the South, where the conflict, which began in October, has been especially intense. Here, the presence of staff allows for the distribution of essential goods to over 700 families, as well as providing educational activities and study support for students, helping them catch up on subjects lost during the months of school closures. Additionally, a team of psychologists offers psychosocial assistance to minors traumatized by the conflict and their parents, through group therapy sessions or individual counseling.
There is a need for psychosocial support. People have been traumatized by over a year of conflict, both children and adults. We have a team of psychologists who provide group therapy or individual counseling for minors traumatized by the conflict, helping parents acquire parenting skills and supporting them in managing their emotions. Parents are going through a complex time: during the previous conflict, they were the minors; now they are fathers and mothers of children who are also traumatized because they see their homes destroyed or have witnessed bombs falling beside them.
Francesca Lazzari, AVSI Country Representative in Lebanon
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