Caritas Australia partners are responding to the intensified crisis in Lebanon, as Caritas Internationalis expressed “grave concern” at the “significant loss of life and injury, particularly among civilians”.
Caritas Australia has been supporting Caritas Lebanon since the launch of its Lebanon Crisis Appeal in May.
At that stage, the support primarily dealt with the impacts of the economic crisis, including rent and cash assistance for bills and school fees, the provision of primary healthcare, covering of medical fees, mobile clinics supporting people with disabilities and the elderly, as well as protection services for women facing gender-based violence.
Now, conflict is escalating quickly, with both parties scaling up attacks. Intensified air raids have triggered new displacement from the south and Bekaa to Mount Lebanon in the north.
Amid the new wave of displacement, Caritas partners are already mobilising to provide emergency assistance.
“Our partners told us last year that the crisis is continual,” Kirsten Sayers, interim chief executive officer at Caritas Australia, said.
“When they think they have reached the bottom, it gets worse with over 80 per cent of people now living in poverty. This is not a population that can withstand a war and the displacement that brings.”
In a statement, Caritas Internationalis said the situation in the Middle East “remains volatile, and our primary concern is for the safety and wellbeing of all civilians affected by this conflict”.
“International humanitarian law clearly stipulates that all parties involved in an armed conflict must differentiate between the civilian population and combatants, as well as between civilian objects and military objectives. It is also crucial to minimise collateral damage as much as possible,” the statement said.
“In light of these tragic events, we strongly urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint, immediately cease the violence and prioritise the protection of civilians.
“We call on all states with influence in the region to avoid further escalation and prevent further loss of life. The protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law should be of utmost priority.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Lebanon Emergency Appeal, visit http://www.caritas.org.au/lebanon.
FULL STORY
Caritas Australia partners respond to the intensified crisis in Lebanon (Caritas Australia)
Caritas Internationalis statement on the escalation Lebanon Israel September 2024 (Caritas Internationalis)
