Since September 17 and 18, Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon with deliberate explosions of thousands of electronic pagers and two-way radios exploding simultaneously in multiple civilian areas, daily airstrikes targeting infrastructure and residential buildings in the South, Bekaa, Baalbek, and densely populated urban areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs; and incursions into Lebanese territory beginning on October 1, 2024. These attacks have resulted in the displacement of around 1.2 million people, with more than 400,000 children displaced from their homes, according to UNICEF. Between September 24 and October 25, more than 100 children have been killed and 800 wounded, based on data from UNICEF’s deputy executive director for humanitarian actions.  Children are one of the most affected groups by hostilities and are particularly vulnerable in times of crisis and war. 

Lebanon’s Ministry of Education also announced that Israeli airstrikes have forced about 40% of Lebanon's 1.5 million pupils from their homes and postponed the start of the school year for public schools from 14 October to 4 November.      

The psychological impact on displaced individuals, particularly children, is severe. Many have experienced multiple displacements, intensifying the trauma from exposure to violence and the strain of living in overcrowded and unsafe environments. Children are also more prone to falling victims of assault and abuse. Additionally, children are at greater risk of contracting illnesses due to overcrowded shelters and unsafe living conditions, while having limited access to medical care. This creates significant public health and survival challenges, as healthcare facilities, services, and medicines become inaccessible—either because impoverished families cannot afford care, medical professionals flee the violence and instability, or entire healthcare systems collapse. 

Israel’s actions are in direct violation of international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the child. The protection of children during times of war is a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law. It guarantees general protection for all individuals affected by armed conflicts and includes specific provisions for children. These provisions explicitly state that children must never be targeted in attacks under any circumstances and emphasize their right to access education, food, and healthcare. Additionally, Israel is violating article 28 of the Convention of the child which guarantees children access to education “States Parties recognize the right of the child to education”; as well as article 24 of the same Convention which stipulates the following “States Parties recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. States Parties shall strive to ensure that no child is deprived of his or her right of access to such health care services.” Israel is also in direct violation of Article 38 of the aforementioned convention “States Parties undertake to respect and to ensure respect for rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in armed conflicts which are relevant to the child.” Furthermore, it is important to note that Israel’s use of booby-traps, including modified civilian pagers designed to kill or injure, is prohibited under international humanitarian law. These devices pose a significant threat to civilians, particularly children (at least two died), and their use must be condemned and stopped immediately.  

The Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) condemns Israel’s violation of International Humanitarian Law, and the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The displacement caused by the bombardment of civilians has had severe traumatic and lasting negative consequences on children’s overall health and well-being. It has deprived them of their right to education and safe, adequate housing, in direct violation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) 

Thus, as a response CLDH recommends the following: 

  • Pushing for a diplomatic solution and an immediate ceasefire, to prevent further harm to civilians, particularly children, who are the most vulnerable. 

  • Ensuring the protection of civilians, particularly children, by advocating for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the ICESCR.  

  • Advocating for targeted support to all children affected, especially those with disabilities, who have lost caregivers, and those most affected by the war and displacement 

  •  Ensuring strict separation between IDP areas and studying areas in schools to prevent risking the educational community 

  • Increasing funding and technical support for all programs pertaining to the protection, education, and mental health of children affected by ongoing escalations and displacement, to aid children in creating healthy coping mechanisms.