Lebanon: People with disabilities among those most at risk in escalating crisis

Press Release | London, 31st March 2026, 4:30 GMT

As bombardments continue to displace thousands across Lebanon, Humanity & Inclusion is warning of the severe and often overlooked impact of the crisis on people with disabilities, older people, and pregnant women.

From the ground in Beirut, Nahed Al-Khlouf, who leads Humanity & Inclusion’s emergency response, describes a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation:
“We are not far from the bombings, which make the office walls shake…[...] The anxiety is constant. [...] But we all remain mobilised.”

Spokespeople available

Humanity & Inclusion’s spokespersons on the ground in Lebanon are available for media interviews to speak about:

The specific challenges faced by people with disabilities in emergencies
The current humanitarian situation in Lebanon
The realities of delivering aid under ongoing bombardment

People with disabilities among the hardest hit

Humanity & Inclusion’s teams are currently operating in three collective shelters in Beirut, including one hosting around 1,000 displaced people, while also supporting displaced people living in tents along the Beirut Corniche.
For people with disabilities, conditions are particularly critical. Shelters are often inaccessible, with stairs limiting movement, non-adapted sanitation facilities, and poorly lit areas increasing risks.

Many fled without essential assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, or even glasses - leaving them unable to move independently or safely.

“They now find themselves in an environment that does not meet their specific needs, and may even become dangerous,” says Nahed Al-Khlouf.

Emergency support under extreme conditions

Despite extremely precarious operational conditions, Humanity & Inclusion teams have so far assisted more than 500 people. Support includes:

Distribution of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and crutches
Hygiene kits, including women’s hygiene kits
Care products for newborns
Rehabilitation services and psychological support sessions
Referrals for pregnant women and support for deliveries

Humanity & Inclusion is also finalising an agreement with an hospital in Beirut to ensure safe childbirth services.

In addition, teams are raising awareness of explosive ordnance risks, sharing life-saving information through social media and direct outreach in shelters.

Needs exceed available resources

Humanitarian needs remain important. "With the resources we currently have, we may be able to cover around ten shelters in Beirut. Beyond that, it becomes very complicated." explains Nahed Al-Khlouf.

Humanity & Inclusion has launched an emergency appeal, but funding remains limited.

“Humanitarian response capacity exists, but it is underfunded,” warns Nahed Al-Khlouf.

A fully mobilised team despite being personally impacted

Humanity & Inclusion’s 50-person team continues to operate under extremely challenging circumstances. Many staff members have themselves been displaced, and some are in need of psychological support because a building across the street has just been hit, or because their children are panicking.
Yet operations continue wherever security conditions allow.