Beirut, 14 October 2024 - IOM’s Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa, Othman Belbeisi, has concluded a three-day visit to Lebanon, becoming the second most senior humanitarian figure to visit the country since hostilities escalated in mid-September. 

Mr. Belbeisi held meetings with officials, including the Minister for Social Welfare, visited centres for displaced people, held a town hall for staff, and conducted several high-profile media interviews. 

His visit underscored the need for solidarity with and support for people in Lebanon. More than a million people have fled their homes due to the incessant bombardment, and over 2,000 lives have been lost. 

“This is a grave moment for Lebanon and for the entire region”, said Mr Belbeisi, reflecting on his visit. “My time here confirmed my faith in the resilience and spirit of the people here, but the humanitarian challenge is overwhelming. We must do all we can to support them, to keep people safe, and to appeal for peace, dialogue and stability before the situation spirals out of control”. 

Mr Belbeisi outlined IOM’s key focus areas from its new appeal which seeks 34.5 million USD to support 400,000 people till the end of the year when he met Lebanese Government officials in Beirut. 

He also visited centres sheltering displaced people in the capital, Beirut, and the city of Tripoli, where he listened to testimonies of families and individuals who fled the bombing. 

“I was very moved listening to the stories of ordinary people surviving extraordinary danger,” he said. “It struck me that people in their 60s have lived through repeated conflict all their lives, but they survive, and they keep a light of hope burning for the younger generations.” 

IOM is also concerned with the plight of tens of thousands of migrant workers who face extra difficulties due to their status and lack of support systems.  

“We want to mount an inclusive response alongside our UN, Government, and civil society partners, and that means ensuring that no one is omitted from humanitarian aid and other support at this vital time,” stressed Mr Belbeisi. 

IOM Staff have been active since the first days of the airstrikes, distributing relief items to displaced centres to help those most affected survive with dignity. The appeal will allow for a major scale-up in operations, with support to national health services, extra relief items, cash assistance, and winterization support, all designed to ensure safe, dignified, and resilient living conditions for the large numbers of displaced people.