Thousands of children flee to Syria amid escalating violence in Lebanon

Date: 8th October 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Violence against children

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Around 60,000 children have fled from Lebanon to Syria in the past week, many suffering from dehydration and exhaustion, according to Save the Children, calling for an immediate de-escalation of violence in the region, as hostilities intensify.

An estimated 100,000 people, mostly Syrians and Lebanese, have crossed into Syria since 24^th September 2024. The violence has displaced nearly one million people in Lebanon, with border crossings packed with children, women, and people with disabilities waiting to enter Syria. Some are using informal routes to escape the escalating conflict.

Save the Children has reported airstrikes near rural Damascus and Homs, areas that are receiving many of those fleeing. The Jdeidet Yabous crossing has also been affected by nearby violence. Rasha Muhrez, Save the Children’s Syria Response Director said:

“Children are paying the highest price for this violence, forced to flee their homes under the constant threat of airstrikes and attacks. Some children have been forced to walk for hours under the threat of airstrikes, just to reach a border that’s still dangerous. This cannot continue. 

“People are fleeing Lebanon and entering a country where services have near collapsed after 14 years of conflict. The humanitarian crisis in Syria is at record levels and its being dragged into regional escalations. 

“Syria is not a playground for attacks—children cannot take any more. All parties must de-escalate. Every day of delay puts more lives at risk. Children cannot survive this relentless violence.”

The humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to worsen, with 16 million people requiring aid, and Lebanon's Health Ministry has reported over 1,600 deaths in the latest wave of violence.

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