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highlights
Every week, we publish new highlights on recent humanitarian developments to enable crisis responders to prioritise based on the needs of affected populations.
09/10/2024
Lebanon
Migrant workers who have been displaced after the Israeli airstrikes are facing challenges in accessing services because of the kafala system, in addition to facing displacement. Under the kafala system, sponsors, which can be individuals or organisations, control migrant workers' legal residency and free movement and hold their legal documents. Because of the displacement, many migrant workers have been separated from their sponsors and left without their legal documents. They are mostly staying in open areas, sleeping on the streets or beaches of Beirut city. They cannot access government shelters because of the documentation issue and because Lebanese nationals are prioritised over foreigners. They lack access to WASH, food, shelter, and healthcare, in addition to assistance to return to their countries. There were over 176,000 migrant workers in Lebanon at the end of August 2024. Many of them are from Ethiopia and Bangladesh and are receiving limited support from their embassies.
(OCHA 01/10/2024, The New Arab 02/10/2024, AJ 05/10/2024)
08/10/2024
Myanmar
The Myanmar military junta has increased airstrikes in Lashio town. Out of a population of 250,000, around 200,000 have fled to other towns in Shan state (such as Kalaw, Nyaung Shwe, and Taunggyi) and main cities of other regions such as Mandalay. The people of Lashio town are experiencing recurrent displacements caused by the fighting. Based on previous displacements, IDPs would need urgent shelter, food, potable water, protection, healthcare support (especially psychosocial support), and access to WASH facilities and items. People who are currently residing in Lashio are facing heightened protection concerns. The humanitarian response in the town is hindered by airstrikes and a telecommunications and internet blackout. Many humanitarian organisations have suspended their operations or evacuated from Lashio earlier in 2024 because of insecurity. Fighting in the town has already resulted in significant casualties and damage and destruction to civilian infrastructure such as homes and offices. Media reports suggest that a possible future ground offensive by the junta to recapture the town is imminent. (ECHO 03/10/2024, RFA 02/10/2024, BNI 07/10/2024)
07/10/2024
Haiti
On 3 October 2024, an armed gang launched an attack in Pont-Sondé, a town in the Saint-Marc municipality southwest of the central Artibonite department, resulting in 70 civilian deaths and the displacement of an estimated 6,200 people. Almost 90% of IDPs have moved to nearby towns to stay with family and acquaintances. This incident highlights the growing surge in gang violence, which has claimed 3,661 lives and displaced over 700,000 people in Port-au-Prince and its surroundings since January 2024. IDPs urgently require humanitarian assistance, including access to food and healthcare services, and, for those not staying with host communities, access to shelter and WASH services. (IOM accessed 09/10/2024, OCHA 04/10/2024, AP News 08/10/2024)
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