The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, has concluded a visit to Lebanon with an urgent call for significantly increased international support to help the country confront rapidly escalating humanitarian needs.
"Lebanon has shown remarkable resilience, but the scale of displacement is pushing the country to its limits," said DG Pope. "Without urgent international support, far too many people risk being left without the help they need. The killing of displaced people who were simply seeking safety is unacceptable, and civilians must be protected at all times. Essential infrastructure must never be targeted, and every effort must remain focused on saving lives and easing tensions."
Over one million people have been displaced by displacement orders and air strikes on communities already strained by years of economic and social fragility, including the devastating 2024-2025 conflict that also uprooted a million people.
Around 10 per cent of those displaced are currently living in collective shelters across Lebanon - many of them public schools and government buildings, where in some cases seven families share a single classroom without privacy, heating, adequate hygiene or essential items. In addition to those in collective shelters, many others are without shelter, living with families or friends, on the streets or in cars.
With over 1,000 deaths recorded, DG Pope strongly condemned the recent killing of displaced people, as well as the alarming rise in attacks on healthcare workers and facilities. She stressed that damage to civilian infrastructure - including critical roads and bridges - further undermines the safety and dignity of civilians and must stop immediately.
Lebanon's prolonged economic crisis, overstretched public services, and rising social pressures have left communities struggling to cope, while growing regional instability is further fuelling insecurity at the local level and increasing risks for civilians.
During her visit, DG Pope held discussions with senior government officials, including President Joseph Aoun, on the rapidly worsening situation across the country. She commended the Government of Lebanon for its leadership in coordinating and responding to the crisis despite immense pressures it faces, and discussed the need to strengthen coordination and expand support to the communities most affected.
In IOM-supported shelters, DG Pope met with migrants and displaced families, witnessing firsthand the impact of the crisis on their daily lives. She heard directly about the growing challenges they face, including limited access to basic services, heightened protection concerns, and shrinking livelihood opportunities.
IOM teams in Lebanon continue to deliver emergency shelter, health services, protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and community-based programming aimed at bolstering resilience for displaced populations, migrants and host communities. At the same time, they are tracking displacement to inform the broader humanitarian response. Yet, despite these efforts, the scale and complexity of needs continue to outpace available resources.
