UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

Published purpose

The renewed escalation of hostilities since March 2026 has triggered large-scale displacement across Lebanon, forcing hundreds of thousands of people, including Lebanese civilians, Syrian refugees, and Palestine refugees to flee their homes, often repeatedly, in search of safety. This sudden displacement has overwhelmed collective shelters and placed severe pressure on host communities, pushing families into overcrowded public buildings, informal sites, and unsafe living conditions. Displaced populations face heightened protection risks and critical gaps in access to emergency shelter, cash assistance, health care, WASH services, and psychosocial support. Women and children are particularly exposed to risks of gender-based violence, family separation, and barriers to essential services, while older persons and persons with disabilities face increased mobility and access challenges. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) leads the international protection and assistance response for refugees, stateless persons, asylum seekers, and, internally displaced persons in Lebanon, working in close coordination with national authorities and humanitarian partners. With the support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and other donors, this project will deliver life-saving protection and humanitarian assistance under the 2026 Lebanon Flash Appeal, responding to rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions and escalating displacement pressures. Project activities will prioritize urgent emergency and protection needs, including protection services and case management; emergency shelter and core relief items; access to primary health care; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support; multipurpose cash assistance to meet basic needs; and mental health and psychosocial support. Assistance will target the most vulnerable refugees, displaced Lebanese, and affected host community members, with particular attention to women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and survivors of violence.