A relief worker has raised concerns about the safety of women and girls who have been displaced by the Israeli military campaign in Lebanon. Maya Andari, the director of program quality at CARE International in Lebanon, highlighted the challenges faced by those seeking refuge from bombardment.
According to Andari, makeshift shelters lack privacy, proper sanitation facilities, and sufficient food and water. This situation puts vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, at a higher risk due to the lack of access to necessary resources and assistive devices.
Andari emphasized that the living conditions in these shelters are often overcrowded, with inadequate separation, lighting, and poorly equipped toilet and shower areas. These conditions increase the vulnerability of women and girls to rape, sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that over 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, including 11,600 pregnant women, with approximately 10% expected to give birth soon. Tens of thousands of women and girls have sought refuge in collective shelters since the start of the Israeli aerial campaign targeting Hezbollah.
Andari expressed concerns about the targeting of healthcare providers and the closure of healthcare facilities, further exacerbating the challenges faced by displaced individuals. She stressed the urgent need for more support and resources to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
