Dear John,

I don’t usually write emails like this myself. I usually work behind the scenes at UNHCR, helping to raise the funds that keep our operations going on the ground. But I had to write to you today. Because I’m Lebanese. Because I’ve lost friends. Because I’ve lost colleagues. Because I worry for the safety of my family.

The past two weeks have been the deadliest and most devastating Lebanon has faced in decades, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe that the UN and UNHCR had repeatedly warned against, while calling for urgent de-escalation. The human toll is staggering, with at least 2,000 people killed and over 9,500 wounded since the start of hostilities in October 2023. This includes two of our beloved colleagues and one of their sons. But if you only know about Lebanon from what you’ve heard on the news, then let me tell you about my country. Lebanon is a nation of remarkable diversity, where various communities coexist. Its people are known for their exceptional hospitality and resilience, reflecting the deep cultural richness of the country.

The Government of Lebanon estimates that in 1.2 million people are now displaced, including 1 million in just one week—an overwhelming burden for a country as small as Lebanon. Even before the escalation of this conflict, Lebanon was already hosting 1.5 million Syrian refugees—the highest number of refugees per capita in the world.

And even though Lebanon has faced many conflicts and crises over the years, my people are still looking after each other, offering shelter and sharing what little resources they have.

UNHCR is responding to the needs of refugees and displaced people across Lebanon, working closely with the authorities and other humanitarian organisations to provide food, clean water, life-saving medical equipment and medical care, shelter and emergency items like warm blankets and mattresses.

While the people of Lebanon are resilient, they are frightened and exhausted, experiencing increasingly intense attacks. Lebanese and Syrian families, desperately seeking an escape from the attacks are crossing the border into Syria, which has itself been ravaged by more than 13 years of conflict and economic collapse.

And that’s why I’m writing to you. The Lebanese people have provided support to those who need it in the past, but now they need heroes to help them. Here at UNHCR, we are doing everything we can to protect people in Lebanon. Please give your support too.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering this urgent request.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Taha Baba
Digital Marketing Officer
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

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