How DEC charities are responding in Lebanon
What’s happening in Lebanon?
Conflict continues to devastate lives. In Lebanon, more than a million people fled their homes after the latest escalation at the beginning of March. The ceasefire agreement meant some families could return to their communities, but most still have nowhere to go and have now been displaced multiple times.
People are staying in overcrowded collective shelters, usually based in schools or other public buildings, or sleeping in cars and tents. They urgently need food, water, and essential supplies. The IPC, the UN-backed global hunger monitor, says that over a million people in Lebanon are expected to face crisis levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) by August.
During the conflict escalation in October 2024, over a million people across Lebanon fled their homes, as housing, critical infrastructure and livelihoods were destroyed. This latest escalation has compounded an already devastating humanitarian crisis in the country.
ActionAid distribute ready-to-eat food parcels funded by the DEC in Saida, a coastal city in southern Lebanon, March 2026. Credit: ActionAid
How are donations helping people?
DEC charities and their local partners have been working tirelessly to reach people impacted by the crisis across Lebanon, while continuing to support those affected by the conflict escalation in 2024.
They are constantly adapting their work as the situation changes to distribute emergency aid such as food baskets, hygiene supplies, mattresses, and bedding. Vulnerable groups including older people, refugees, and people with disabilities remain an urgent priority.
They are also still delivering longer term support including cash assistance, water system repairs, mental health care and livelihood support. The Middle East Humanitarian Appeal launched in October 2024. Donations to the appeal are providing a lifeline to families impacted by conflict in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank and Syria.
Some examples of how DEC charities are supporting people include:
- Action Aid is distributing ready-to-eat food parcels to provide balanced nutrition to families living without access to cooking facilities.
- World Vision is rehabilitating water and sanitation facilities, including toilets and showers in collective shelter sites.
- Islamic Relief is providing cash support so people can buy essential food, medicine and supplies.
- Save the Children is providing essential supplies such as mattresses and bedding, and running child-friendly spaces in collective shelters.
Tents set up by people who have been displaced by the recent conflict escalation, in a neighbourhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut, March 2026. Credit: Laura Menassa /ActionAid
How you can help
Donations to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal are making a difference to families facing an uncertain future. The appeal is open for donations and more funds will help DEC charities and their local partners scale up their response.
