More than a million have fled attacks in Lebanon – FCA’s new work helps IDPs in emergency shelters

Displaced people in Lebanon need food, hygiene supplies and psychosocial support. FCA is working with its partner organisation to help the refugees.

FINN CHURCH AID (FCA) has begun relief work in Lebanon. The work is part of FCA’s new programme to help those affected by the crisis in the Middle East and focuses on supporting those fleeing the war in Lebanon. According to official estimates, more than one million people have already been displaced.

FCA has allocated €80,000 from its Disaster Relief Fund for the work.

“The situation in the Middle East is extremely volatile, and we have watched with horror the impact of the crisis on the civilian population. Families and individuals fleeing danger are often in need of immediate protection and emergency assistance. The situation is particularly difficult for those who are already vulnerable, such as people with disabilities,” said Ikali Karvinen, FCA Deputy Executive Director.

FCA will work with its partner organisation, War Child Alliance in Lebanon. War Child is an international aid organisation that has been working in Lebanon for a long time and is already helping victims of the recently escalated crisis.

“FCA wants to start work quickly and with a reliable partner. This partnership will enable us do that,” says Karvinen.

Families need food and support to deal with trauma

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has deteriorated significantly since the
end of September 2024.

Air strikes and other military operations have forced people to flee, particularly from
southern Lebanon, the capital Beirut, the southern parts of the Beqaa Valley and the Baalbek-Hermel region.

Almost 900 reception centres for internally displaced persons have been set up in the country. FCA and War Child will work together to help refugees in the Beqaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel.

“The aim is to meet the basic needs of the refugees. The work includes food aid, as well as improving hygiene and sanitation in refugee shelters,” says Karvinen.

“People have been in a really traumatic situation. That’s why we also focus on emotional first aid, child protection and psychosocial support,” Karvinen continues.

Currently, FCA is significantly expanding its work to help those affected by the crisis in the Middle East. Already 185,000 people (UNHCR report, 4.10.2024) have fled from Lebanon to neighbouring Syria, where FCA also works to support those newly arrived and in need.

In addition, FCA is launching an assistance operation in Gaza. The work focuses on
psychosocial support and training in emergency situations.

FCA has previously worked in Lebanon to help the victims of the 2020 harbour explosion.

Further information and interview requests:

Deputy Executive Director Ikali Karvinen
+358 40 660 2530, ikali.karvinen(at)kua.fi

Humanitarian Manager, Jan De Waegemaeker
+358 50 574 0481, jan.de.waegemaeker(at)kua.fi.

You can support families in need by donating via the FCA website.