UNICEF report highlights severe hunger, homelessness, and educational disruption affecting Lebanese children and families.

The situation in Lebanon has reached a critical point, with families struggling to meet basic needs as the country faces unprecedented humanitarian and economic challenges. A recent report by UNICEF, titled “A Nightmare on the Road,” highlights the severe impact on children and families, warning that four out of five households are unable to afford essential goods. The report underscores the deepening crisis, which has been exacerbated by years of economic instability and ongoing hostilities, leaving many children without access to food, education, or healthcare.

According to the findings, 22 percent of families surveyed reported that their children had experienced hunger, while only 10 percent of families with children under five could provide a balanced and adequate diet. The report also revealed that 31 percent of families could not afford necessary healthcare for their children, and 14 percent had at least one working child—more than double the rate recorded in January 2025. These statistics reflect the growing burden on families, with children being forced to take on adult responsibilities to support their households.

The crisis has severely disrupted education, with 436 schools damaged or destroyed, putting 100,000 children at risk of losing access to learning environments. Over 86 teachers have been killed or injured, further compounding the challenges faced by students. Families are also cutting back on educational expenses, with 46 percent reporting reduced spending on schooling, 17 percent stating their children have left school, and 29 percent of students unable to learn effectively due to psychological distress and difficulty concentrating.

The psychological toll on children is equally alarming. UNICEF estimates that 770,000 children have experienced psychological distress in the past six months, with more than half of families noting a decline in their children’s mental well-being. About two-thirds of families, or 63 percent, reported that their children were showing signs of concern or stress. These effects are compounded by the loss of stable environments and the uncertainty of the future, which has left many children feeling vulnerable and unsupported.

Beyond children, young people in Lebanon are also facing a bleak outlook. A UNICEF evaluation found that only 22 percent of those aged 18 to 25 were enrolled in school or university, largely due to financial constraints. At the time of the survey, 67 percent of this age group were unemployed, highlighting the limited opportunities available to them. The crisis has created a cycle of hardship, where economic instability and conflict have left entire generations without the resources or stability needed to thrive.

The situation in Lebanon serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of neglecting the needs of the most vulnerable. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and the needy. The challenges faced by children and families in Lebanon call for urgent attention, compassion, and action to ensure that no generation is left behind.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)