The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched an urgent appeal for USD 19 million to expand its emergency response in Lebanon, where nearly one million people have been displaced following a sharp escalation of hostilities since 2 March 2026. The agency warned that the crisis is worsening rapidly, with families in urgent need of lifesaving support such as safe shelter, clean water, health care, and protection services. IOM Director General Amy Pope stressed that many families have been displaced multiple times, leaving them increasingly vulnerable and unable to meet even their most basic needs.
Mass displacement has been triggered by evacuation orders issued across southern Lebanon, parts of the Bekaa Valley, and areas of Beirut. More than 128,000 people are currently staying in collective shelters, and that number continues to rise. However, most displaced people have sought safety with relatives or host communities, while others are living in cars or sleeping in the open. This has created a severe humanitarian challenge as families struggle to find secure and dignified living conditions.
The growing number of displaced people is also putting immense pressure on host communities across Lebanon. Local infrastructure, housing, and public services are under significant strain as communities absorb large numbers of displaced families. This is particularly concerning in a country already facing economic hardship, where resources are limited and the capacity to support additional needs is already stretched.
IOM’s appeal aims to assist more than one million people affected by the crisis over the next three months. The planned response includes emergency shelter, clean water, protection services, and health assistance, with particular attention to migrants and other vulnerable groups. The organization also intends to strengthen displacement tracking systems so humanitarian partners can access accurate, real-time data to better coordinate operations and respond to rapidly changing needs on the ground.
The appeal is aligned with the Government of Lebanon’s emergency response, including efforts led by the Ministry of Social Affairs, and supports the wider UN-Government of Lebanon Inter-Agency Flash Appeal launched the same day, which seeks USD 308.3 million. IOM teams are already providing emergency shelter, relief items, protection, health, and psychosocial support, but the agency warned that the scale of needs is increasing faster than available resources.
As the conflict enters its second week since the latest escalation, IOM cautioned that humanitarian operations could be severely constrained without immediate funding. With response capacity already overstretched and needs continuing to grow, the organization has called on the international community to act quickly to ensure that displaced families receive the urgent protection and assistance they need.
