World Vision Welcomes Australian Humanitarian Support as Lebanon Crisis Deepens
Saturday, 21 March 2026
Key Facts:- Australian Government pledges $5 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon, where over 1 million people have been displaced since 2 March
- More than 1,000 people killed (including 100+ children) and 2,000 injured in less than three weeks of conflict
- World Vision Lebanon has assisted over 150,000 people (52,000 children) with essentials across 322 shelters
- Critical infrastructure targeted by airstrikes, hampering civilian movement and aid delivery across South Lebanon
- Australia's total humanitarian support for Lebanon and surrounding area exceeds $130 million since October 2023
For queries and media requests, please contact: Domi Gonzales at [email protected] or 0413 788 380.
World Vision Australia has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon, where more than one million people have been displaced since hostilities intensified on 2 March.
World Vision Lebanon National Director Heidi Diedrich said the new support comes as families across Lebanon face a rapidly worsening crisis, with over 1000 people killed – including more than 100 children – and more than 2,000 injured in less than three weeks.
“This commitment from Australia comes at a critical moment. Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis, each day it goes on since the escalation began on 2 March. Families are sheltering in overcrowded schools, unfinished buildings, and makeshift tents along the coast. Many are sleeping in the open air or in their cars. Every dollar of this assistance will help save lives,” said Diedrich.
Airstrikes have increasingly targeted critical infrastructure and transport routes, including key bridges in South Lebanon, disrupting civilian movement and humanitarian access. Evacuation orders continue to expand across South Lebanon, Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.
World Vision Lebanon has reached more than 150,000 people, including over 52,000 children, since the escalation began: distributing hot meals, blankets, mattresses, hygiene kits and other essential supplies across 322 collective shelters. The organisation is working with 16 local civil society partners to deliver assistance to displaced families.
“We thank the Australian Government for standing with the people of Lebanon. The protection of civilians, especially children, must remain the absolute priority,” World Vision Australia CEO Grant Bayldon said.
“We continue to call on all parties to cease hostilities, protect humanitarian workers and ensure safe access so that aid can reach those who need it most.”
Australia has provided more than $130 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and its surrounding area since October 2023, supporting United Nations and NGO partners to deliver food, shelter, health care and protection services.
But as needs escalate, World Vision is urging Australians not to turn away.
“It’s easy to feel helpless when you see a crisis like this unfolding – but Australians can make a difference,” said Bayldon. “By supporting World Vision, every donation helps provide food, clean water and protection to children and families who have lost everything. It’s one way we can stand with them.”
Australians can find out more or support World Vision’s Middle East Crisis Appeal at worldvision.com.au.
ENDS.
Notes for editors:
- The escalation of hostilities in Lebanon began on 2 March 2026 and represents the most serious deterioration in security since the November 2024 ceasefire. More than 1,049,000 people have been newly displaced, with 132,742 sheltering in 622 collective shelters. The majority of displaced families are outside shelters, in the open air, in cars, or in informal locations.
- Australia’s $5 million contribution will be channelled through UN and NGO partners to deliver food, shelter, health care, water and sanitation, and protection services. This brings Australia’s total humanitarian support for Lebanon and Gaza to over $135 million since October 2023
- World Vision’s presence in Lebanon: World Vision Lebanon has operated in Lebanon for more than 45 years, delivering humanitarian assistance, child protection, education, and livelihoods support. Since 2 March 2026, the organisation has reached over 150,789 individuals (52,777 children), distributing more than 167,000 hot meals, 7,000 blankets, nearly 5,000 hygiene kits, and other essential relief items across 322 collective shelters.
- The UN and partners have appealed for US$308.3 million to fund a three-month response (March – May 2026), targeting up to one million people.
- International humanitarian access: Strikes on critical infrastructure and transport routes, including key bridges in South Lebanon, have disrupted humanitarian access. Trucks transporting goods have been warned not to move along the southern coastal road.
About us:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision and their partners are working in communities to improve families’ economic prospects, strengthen violence prevention and child protection services, and improve education systems. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Contact details:
Domi Gonzales | [email protected] | 0413 788 380.