UNICEF Executive Director: Damage to 436 Schools Puts 100,000 Children at Risk of Losing Their Education in Lebanon
UNICEF Director confirms damage to 436 schools puts 100,000 children at risk
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Beirut, Feb 2 (KUNA) -- UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that the damage and destruction of approximately 436 schools across various areas of Lebanon puts around 100,000 children at risk of losing their place in classrooms and deepens the humanitarian impact of the war. This was stated in a statement issued by the UNICEF office in Beirut on Friday, marking the conclusion of Russell’s official visit to Lebanon, during which she visited the southern region and the capital, Beirut, to assess on the ground the humanitarian situation of children and families affected by the war and ongoing attacks by Israeli occupation forces.
According to the statement, Russell called for an “urgent” response to protect Lebanese children from the ongoing effects of the conflict and the economic crisis, and to ensure that their rights and needs are at the core of the country’s recovery process.
The statement noted that “the ongoing conflict has inflicted severe harm on childhood, with at least 261 children killed and 1,056 others injured since March 2 last year, in addition to the damage or destruction of around 436 schools, putting approximately 100,000 children at risk of losing their place in classrooms.”
It added that Russell held talks in Beirut with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Minister of Social Affairs Haneen al-Sayyid, discussing ways to ensure that children continue to receive healthcare, education, and basic protection.
The statement quoted Russell as emphasizing that investing in children “represents the best path toward recovery amid economic difficulties and the effects of the ongoing conflict,” and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to intensifying its humanitarian response and supporting national systems serving children in various areas of Lebanon.
It noted that the UN official met during her tour in the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon with families of displaced children in shelters, assessing their urgent needs, and also visited one of the “Makani” centers supported by the organization, which provides education and psychosocial support services. (End) F.Z. / M.A. H.A.
