During a visit to Lebanon, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) of Ireland, Micheál Martin, has pledged a €2.5 million contribution to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF), reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to aiding the Lebanese people amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. The announcement comes as Lebanon continues to face significant struggles due to the aftermath of the 2024 conflict, severe economic difficulties, and its role as host to the largest number of refugees per capita globally.
Support for Lebanon’s Vulnerable Populations
The Lebanon Humanitarian Fund plays a crucial role in addressing urgent needs within the country, focusing on the most vulnerable groups, including Lebanese citizens, Syrian refugees, and others affected by the region’s ongoing turmoil. According to the Tánaiste, the fund has proven itself a vital partner in responding to Lebanon’s growing humanitarian crisis, which has left over four million people in need of urgent assistance.
In 2024, the conflict in Lebanon led to significant loss of life—over 4,000 people died and more than 16,600 were injured, displacing many and leaving extensive damage to infrastructure. The war exacerbated existing issues, including food insecurity and poverty, particularly for refugees who already faced dire circumstances before the violence escalated.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, also commented on the funding, emphasizing Ireland’s ongoing dedication to providing flexible and reliable support through UN agencies and partners to help Lebanon’s vulnerable populations.
Ireland’s Continued Commitment to Lebanon
This new €2.5 million contribution adds to a broader package of support provided by Ireland in 2024, including a previous €10 million allocation. Ireland’s contribution to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund has been pivotal, with the LHF being the country’s largest partner in Lebanon, channelling funds to national and international NGOs and UN agencies.
In 2024, the LHF disbursed $65.6 million across 89 projects aimed at addressing the most pressing needs in Lebanon, particularly for those with special needs, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions.
The UN’s 2025 Lebanese Response Plan estimates that 4.1 million people will continue to need humanitarian assistance in Lebanon this year, with a total funding requirement of $3.2 billion.
A Long-Term Humanitarian Strategy
Ireland’s humanitarian response in Lebanon is not just focused on immediate relief but also aims at providing long-term solutions. The Lebanon Humanitarian Fund remains a vital component of Ireland’s ongoing efforts, ensuring that the most affected populations receive the aid they need in an unpredictable and often volatile context.
With the need for aid continuing to grow, Ireland’s financial contribution helps maintain crucial humanitarian operations, ensuring that Lebanon’s most vulnerable communities are not left without support as the country navigates an unprecedented crisis.
Sources: Department of Foreign Affairs, UN Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, Ireland’s International Development Policy
