The latest rapid assessment conducted by UNICEF revealed that more than a quarter of children in Lebanon are not attending schools. The assessment, conducted by the organisation in November and published on December 13, 2023, confirmed that over a quarter of families (26%) are unable to send their school-aged children to school, marking an increase from the previous similar assessment conducted in April, where the percentage was 18%.

UNICEF pointed out that the closure of dozens of schools in southern Lebanon since October due to attacks (Israeli) has worsened the situation, affecting more than 6,000 students. 46% of families in southern Lebanon reported that their children feel anxious, and 29% are experiencing depression.

Lebanon’s economic and financial crisis continues to deepen, with the assessment indicating a rise in the number of families sending their children to work to support the family, reaching a staggering 16% compared to 11% in the previous assessment. 84% of families are forced to borrow money or buy on credit to obtain basic food items. Additionally, spending on healthcare has decreased, affecting 81% of the population, down from 75% six months ago.