BEIRUT, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Over a quarter or 26 percent of households across Lebanon had children not attending school as the country continues to reel under an unprecedented financial crisis.
According to a report released on Wednesday by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the percentage increased from 18 percent in April 2023.
"This terrible crisis is eroding the childhood of hundreds of thousands of children through multiple crises. Its severity is crushing children's dreams and taking away their learning, happiness, and future," said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF representative in Lebanon.
The report also highlights parents' struggle to afford necessities, including food and medication, adding that more than 8 in 10 households, or 84 percent, had to borrow money or buy on credit to purchase essential grocery items.
Furthermore, Lebanon's border confrontations with Israel made things worse as dozens of schools in southern Lebanon have closed since October, which affected more than 6,000 students, the report noted.
UNICEF urged the Lebanese government to take serious measures to ensure the delivery of essential services for all children across the country.
"We must redouble our efforts to make sure every child in Lebanon is in school and learning, is protected from physical and mental harm, and has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society," said Beigbeder. ■
