Thousands prevented from returning home to southern Lebanon
UN human rights experts have warned that thousands of displaced civilians in southern Lebanon are unable to return home due to ongoing conflict and infrastructure destruction. The report highlights the severe humanitarian toll, particularly on women and children, and the potential misuse of white phosphorus.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and the challenges of protecting civilians in active conflict zones.
As months of conflict continue to devastate communities across Lebanon, families are being left without shelter, healthcare and other essential services.
Independent human rights experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council , warned on Wednesday that civilians are paying a “devastating and disproportionate toll,” with homes destroyed, entire towns cut off and many communities in southern Lebanon still inaccessible.
As a result, thousands of displaced people remain unable to return home.
More than 4,300 people have reportedly been killed since 2 March, including 392 women and 253 children, while more than 12,000 have been injured .
“Evacuation is an exceptional and strictly temporary measure. It may only be used to protect the safety of civilians or for imperative military reasons, not to depopulate and occupy areas,” the experts said, stressing that displacement should only ever be used as a temporary measure to protect civilians.
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