A War of Exclusion: Lebanon’s Displacement Crisis Hits People with Disabilities

BEIRUT, LEBANON — Since March 2, 2026, Lebanon has experienced a significant escalation in hostilities, marked by intensified airstrikes and expanded military activity across multiple regions of the country, particularly southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, Beirut, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. The scale and geographic spread of hostilities have resulted in civilian casualties, large-scale displacement, damage to critical infrastructure, and widespread disruption to essential services.

People with disabilities remain among the hardest hit and often the most overlooked groups. As of May 2026, they continue to represent around 10% of Lebanon’s population (over 400,000+ individuals), highlighting that exclusion extends far beyond those formally identified. At least 2,695 people with disabilities have been officially identified in collective shelters, yet this remains a partial figure that does not reflect the full scope of need, as many individuals remain unregistered or outside formal systems.

Shelters

631 shelters are open, of which 178 have the capacity to accept new Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); the largest numbers are in Mount Lebanon, Beirut, and the South. Even in those designated as being accessible, people with disabilities and older people still have to deal with overcrowded pathways and toilets that are only accessible by stairs

The absence of electricity, lighting, and privacy undermines dignity and creates a dangerous situation. For individuals with limited mobility, women and children, and persons with disabilities, these are systemic obstacles that increase the risk of violence, falls, and social isolation.

Health

The health system remains severely strained, with 3 hospitals and 41 PHCCs (Primary Health Care Centers) still closed, and 6 PHCCs operating at reduced capacity, mainly providing chronic disease and emergency services. Access constraints continue in the South, Nabatiyeh, and Baalbek-El Hermel, where insecurity and mobility restrictions limit service delivery.

Education

Education in Lebanon has been severely disrupted by conflict, displacement, and school closures. Of 690 collective shelters, 365 are public schools, and 58 are Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, significantly reducing the number of learning spaces. Ongoing closures and insecurity continue to affect approximately 131,500 learners, including 115,100 school students.

Explosive Contamination

In South Lebanon and Nabatieh governorates, where insecurity, military presence, damaged infrastructure, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination continue to pose significant risks

Key Figures/Facts

• A total of 11,738 casualties, including 8,824 injuries & 2,896 deaths.
• Of the casualties: 85% (male), 15 % (female), (~76% Adults, ~3% Elderly, 8.8% to 9.5% Children), 94% (Lebanese), 4% (Syrian), 1% (Palestinian), and 1% (other nationalities). 199 children died, and 81 children were injured.
• Over 155 attacks on healthcare resulted in the death of 104 healthcare workers and the injury of 244.
• 1,049K self-registered Internally Displaced People (IDP).
• 125,621 displaced individuals are internally sheltered across 622 emergency collective sites, managed by the country's Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Unit.
• The highest concentration of shelters is in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
• There are now 44,800 children among about 125,000 people in collective shelters.
• Women and girls constituted 52% of the shelter population.
• An estimated 770,000 children are experiencing heightened distress from repeated exposure to violence, loss, and displacement.

HI’s Response

From the first days of the escalation, HI in Lebanon mobilized to respond to the needs.

• Since March 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), HI has been conducting rehabilitation needs assessments for persons with disabilities and older persons in collective shelters across Baabda and Aley districts.
• An initial assessment covered 28 shelters in Baabda and 53 in Aley, followed by technical assessments in 16 shelters in Baabda and 4 in Aley.
• To date, 228 persons with functional difficulties have been assessed for rehabilitation services by HI teams, including 171 individuals identified through MOPH referrals.
• In parallel, HI contributed to the Rapid Health Assessment led by the Health Sector at facility and community levels by conducting assessments at two Primary Health Care Centers (Jeitawi and Makhzoumi) and supporting the identification of functional and rehabilitation needs among the affected population.

Rehabilitation

 A total of 228 people with functional difficulties were first assessed for rehabilitation services by HI teams and their implementing partner, Mousawat. Following these assessments:

• 86 beneficiaries received 297 rehabilitation sessions.
• 80 persons received 149 assistive devices.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

• 28 safe deliveries covered by HI since the escalation.
• 37 successful referrals for deliveries.
• 91 women received antenatal care consultations.
• 122 baby kits distributed.
• 13,85 menstrual hygiene management kits distributed.
• 15 individuals participated in 32 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sessions conducted.
• 132 individuals participated in 13 group sessions since the escalation.
• 66 survivors have been receiving GBV case management since the escalation.
• 33 survivors identified prior to the escalation continued receiving GBV case management.

Explosive Ordnance Risk Education

• 25,102 flyers distributed to 3,903 displaced persons.
• 16 online sessions organized, reaching 216 Beneficiaries.
• 7 Face-to-Face sessions for 106 Beneficiaries.
• Billboard campaign launched along the Highway from Khaldeh to Saida.

Inclusive Humanitarian Action

A total of 471 children participated in recreational and psychosocial support (PSS) activities designed to help them express emotions, build social skills, and cope with stress. Among them;

• 376 children received PSS kits to support continued emotional well-being and engagement beyond structured sessions.
• 55 children were identified and referred for complementary services to ensure targeted support tailored to their needs.
• To strengthen family and caregiver support, 96 parents and caregivers participated in awareness sessions focused on understanding stress and its impact, as well as practical coping strategies.

Spokespersons are available for interviews upon request.