Lebanon's Economic Crisis' Spirals out of Control', Pushing Children Further into Hunger in 2022, »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵWarns
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Jan. 13, 2022)Ìý–ÌýÌýThe collapse of the Lebanese pound to historic lows this week will drive even more children into poverty and hunger this year, »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵwarned today.Ìý
The Lebanese pound has lost more thanÌýÌýsince the start of 2022, pushing desperate families already struggling to afford food, electricity, and fuel deeper into poverty and with a tank of fuel for a small car now costing more than a month's salary on minimum wage.ÌýÌý
Since 2019, Lebanon's currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value. The country's economic meltdown – one of the world's worst since the 1850s – has pushed an estimated four million families into poverty in the last two years. Many children areÌýeating less than ever before, worsening an ongoing hunger crisis throughout the country.ÌýÌý
»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis calling on the Lebanese government and relevant stakeholders to urgently take measures to stabilize the economy to prevent further suffering of children and their families.Ìý
Jennifer Moorehead, Save the Children's Country Director in Lebanon, said:
"The situation in Lebanon isÌýrapidly spiraling out of control as the country deals with multiple crisesÌýwithout any sign of relief. As the Lebanese pound continues to plummet in value,Ìýthe price of food, fuel, and medicine is increasing at an alarming rate. AÌýsingle tank of gas for a small car now costs more than an entire monthly salaryÌýon minimum wage.Ìý
"The children and families weÌýwork with tell us every day of the impossible choices they have to make betweenÌýfood and rent, electricity and medication, and sending their children toÌýschool. This will have a devastating impact on Lebanese and refugee childrenÌýacross the country, putting even more basic necessities out of reach andÌýforcing more and harder choices.
"2022 looks like it will beÌýanother long, hard year for children and their families in Lebanon. We cannotÌýsit back and continue watching Lebanon's financial crisis unfold. The LebaneseÌýgovernment and the international community must work together to safeguardÌýchildren's futures - before it's too late."Ìý
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis a charity you can trust. Follow us on , , and .