VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES-D5AX LHF PROJECT

Voices from the frontlines: a glimpse into emergency response in Southern Lebanon.

Amid civil unrest in southern Lebanon, Action Against Hunger's dedicated team has been on the frontlines, addressing the urgent needs of the displaced communities. In an interview with Randa Kaddoura, a dedicated staff member, she shared her experiences, highlighting the challenges faced and emphasizing on the fundamental importance of sustained funding in this critical time.

Since the beginning of the war, Randa recounts facing numerous challenges. The situation was severe, marked by intense tension and frustration among the displaced population. Communication became a delicate matter, requiring sensitivity to their mental burden. Coordinating with various municipalities and organizations added another layer of complexity to the situation. "One of the hardest challenges was gathering information about their needs," she emphasized. Despite the challenges, the collective effort and cooperation of the people supported allowed the team to achieve their targets.

"The immediate needs were the basic necessities of daily life," Randa emphasized. From food and water to medicines for those with chronic illnesses, mattresses, pillows, blankets, and hygiene kits - the essentials were non-negotiable. Ensuring the cleanliness of collective shelters and their facilities was crucial to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

While optimism about the future may be limited, the security and stability of the shelters, coupled with the provision of basic needs, serve as pillars of resilience for displaced communities. "Currently, what is making them resilient is the security and stability of the shelter and the provision of the basic needs which we are providing," our staff member observes.

Acceptance and respect for diverse cultures and religions is fundamental. "We should talk to each of them in their own language, level to their standards, accept their point of view, and respect their religious rituals," Randa stresses.

Randa– Montana Shelter – Zahrani – Lebanon (Elie Saab / Action Against Hunger)

In the face of potential gender-based violence, the team focuses on creating safe spaces for women. Awareness sessions empower them to protect themselves, recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds in the shelters. "Women must defend themselves," 

Randa notes, underscoring the need for a supportive and protective environment. Additionally, she mentioned that a specialized team is dedicated to supporting pregnant and breastfeeding women. Through open communication and the provision of a safe space, women feel comfortable expressing their concerns without fear of risk. This personalized care is key in addressing their specific needs during this challenging time.

Randa– Montana Shelter – Zahrani – Lebanon (Elie Saab / Action Against Hunger)

In a heartfelt request to potential donors, Randa expresses gratitude for their support and urges them to continue funding. "We appreciate their continuous support and ask them to keep funding us," she emphasizes. Stressing the critical importance of sustained funding, both in small and large contributions, Randa pleads donors to continue standing beside the displaced people, making a meaningful difference in their lives during this challenging period. "Together, we can provide solutions to their problems in a faster way," she concludes.