Children are often among those who face the worst of a conflict or an unstable situation in a country. They are vulnerable to physical, mental and emotional abuse. This&nbsp;may leave them scarred and affect their development. This may lead to other social issues when they grow up. Protecting children and their rights is therefore important.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: History and significance

The very first International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was observed on August 19, 1982. At the time, the day was focused on victims of the Lebanon War.

In 1982 Lebanon war, Israel's forces invaded southern Lebanon after repeated attacks and counterattacks between Palestine Liberation Organisation and Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The invasion was carried out after the assassination attempt of Israeli ambassador.

Though the first-ever International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was focused on victims of Lebanon war its scope was widened to "acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse"

This day affirms United Nations' commitment towards protecting children and their rights. United Nations General Assembly decided under the resolution ES-7/8 that June 4 would be observed each year.&nbsp;

Children are often among those who face the worst of a conflict or an unstable situation in a country. They are vulnerable to physical, mental and emotional abuse.

Children are often among those who face the worst of a conflict or an unstable situation in a country. They are vulnerable to physical, mental and emotional abuse. This may leave them scarred and affect their development. This may lead to other social issues when they grow up. Protecting children and their rights is therefore important. International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: History and significance The very first International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was observed on August 19, 1982. At the time, the day was focused on victims of the Lebanon War. In 1982 Lebanon war, Israel's forces invaded southern Lebanon after repeated attacks and counterattacks between Palestine Liberation Organisation and Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The invasion was carried out after the assassination attempt of Israeli ambassador. Though the first-ever International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was focused on victims of Lebanon war its scope was widened to "acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse" This day affirms United Nations' commitment towards protecting children and their rights. United Nations General Assembly decided under the resolution ES-7/8 that June 4 would be observed each year.

June 4, 2022: International day of innocent children victims of aggression

Lebanon's Parliamentary elections have concluded, the Hezbollah & its allies have lost the majority. They have won just 62 seats, way less than the 71 seats they won last time. What does this mean? Who's going to call the shots in Lebanon? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Lebanon's Parliamentary Polls conclude

Lebanon appears to have dealt a setback to the biggest bloc, led by the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim Hezbollah party, and boosted reformists, provisional results showed Monday.

Lebanon Parliamentary Poll Results: Reformist candidates make electoral gains

Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies are likely to lose their majority in Lebanon's parliament following Sunday's elections, in a major blow to the heavily armed faction that reflects anger with ruling parties.

Lebanon Parliamentary Poll Results: Hezbollah group and allies are likely to suffer loses

Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies have lost their majority in Lebanon’s parliament after the country’s general election results were announced.

Lebanon Parliamentary Poll Results:  Hezbollah, allies lose parliament majority

The Iran-backed Hezbollah and their allies were dealt a heavy blow as they&nbsp;lost their parliamentary majority in the Lebanese general elections on Wednesday. The full results, released by the interior ministry, showed that Hezbollah and its allies were not able to get 65 seats – the number required to achieve a majority. This was a fall from the 2018 elections where the alliance won 71 seats in total.

According to Reuters, around 12 independent freshmen MPs were elected in this year’s elections which was a clear indication of the people’s anger towards the current regime.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bank-of-england-warns-of-apocalyptic-food-prices-due-to-ongoing-russia-ukraine-conflict-479760">Bank of England warns of 'apocalyptic' food prices due to Russia-Ukraine war</a>

The collapse of the economy along with the Beirut port blast of 2020 are&nbsp;being considered to be the main reasons behind this result. The report further stated that a number of different sects won seats in various districts around the country to deny Hezbollah and its allies a clear majority this time.

France24 reported that Christian Lebanese Forces party was able to increase their tally to 20 and as a result, they became the main opposition to Hezbollah.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/44-billion-twitter-purchase-will-not-go-ahead-without-clarity-on-fake-spam-accounts-elon-musk-479769">$44bn Twitter purchase will not go ahead without clarity on fake account: Musk</a>

They won just 15 seats in 2018 but with their new tally, they replaced Christian Hezbollah-allied Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) as the largest Christian party in the country.

Earlier, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres requested Lebanon to form ‘an inclusive government’ to combat the growing economic crisis. According to the statement released by his office on Monday, the UN chief also called on the country's new parliament and lawmakers "to urgently adopt all legislation necessary to stabilise the economy and improve governance".

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The Iran-backed Hezbollah and their allies were dealt a heavy blow as they lost their parliamentary majority in the Lebanese general elections on Wednesday. The full results, released by the interior ministry, showed that Hezbollah and its allies were not able to get 65 seats – the number required to achieve a majority.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah and their allies were dealt a heavy blow as they lost their parliamentary majority in the Lebanese general elections on Wednesday. The full results, released by the interior ministry, showed that Hezbollah and its allies were not able to get 65 seats – the number required to achieve a majority. This was a fall from the 2018 elections where the alliance won 71 seats in total. According to Reuters, around 12 independent freshmen MPs were elected in this year’s elections which was a clear indication of the people’s anger towards the current regime. Also read | Bank of England warns of 'apocalyptic' food prices due to Russia-Ukraine war The collapse of the economy along with the Beirut port blast of 2020 are being considered to be the main reasons behind this result. The report further stated that a number of different sects won seats in various districts around the country to deny Hezbollah and its allies a clear majority this time. France24 reported that Christian Lebanese Forces party was able to increase their tally to 20 and as a result, they became the main opposition to Hezbollah. Also read | $44bn Twitter purchase will not go ahead without clarity on fake account: Musk They won just 15 seats in 2018 but with their new tally, they replaced Christian Hezbollah-allied Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) as the largest Christian party in the country. Earlier, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres requested Lebanon to form ‘an inclusive government’ to combat the growing economic crisis. According to the statement released by his office on Monday, the UN chief also called on the country's new parliament and lawmakers "to urgently adopt all legislation necessary to stabilise the economy and improve governance". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Iran-backed Hezbollah and allies lose parliamentary majority in Lebanese elections

Iran-supported Hezbollah and allies might lose majority in Lebanon's parliament, said Reuters quoting sources. The elections took place on Sunday. If true, the prediction of setback to Hezbollah may be a major blow to heavily armed faction.

A political deadlock may be possible with losses to pro-Iran coalition coupled with unexpected victories for newcomer condidates. Such a deadlock may further delay much needed reforms required to address Lebanon's economic crisis

The country's interior ministry announced first batch of official election results on Monday. These elections are first since the huge port explosion in Beirut.

Opponents of Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah including the Saudi-aligned Lebanese Forces (LF), a Christian group, and reform-minded newcomers scored significant wins according to partial official results, campaign managers and party sources.

Reuters quoted sources among Hezbollah allies to say that it looked difficult for the alliance to secure more than 64 seats in the parliament. Lebanese parliament has 128 seats.

That marked a notable drop from the 2018 elections, when the alliance won 71 seats, pulling Lebanon deeper into the orbit of Shi'ite Muslim-led Iran and away from Sunni-led Saudi Arabia.

This year's results could counter that influence. Iran on Monday said it respected the vote and had never intervened in Lebanon's internal affairs.

Locally, the results leave parliament fractured into several camps and more sharply polarised between Hezbollah's allies and opponents, who are not currently united into a single bloc.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran-supported Hezbollah and allies might lose majority in Lebanon's parliament, said Reuters quoting sources. The elections took place on Sunday. If true, the prediction of setback to Hezbollah may be a major blow to heavily armed faction.

Iran-supported Hezbollah and allies might lose majority in Lebanon's parliament, said Reuters quoting sources. The elections took place on Sunday. If true, the prediction of setback to Hezbollah may be a major blow to heavily armed faction. A political deadlock may be possible with losses to pro-Iran coalition coupled with unexpected victories for newcomer condidates. Such a deadlock may further delay much needed reforms required to address Lebanon's economic crisis The country's interior ministry announced first batch of official election results on Monday. These elections are first since the huge port explosion in Beirut. Opponents of Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah including the Saudi-aligned Lebanese Forces (LF), a Christian group, and reform-minded newcomers scored significant wins according to partial official results, campaign managers and party sources. Reuters quoted sources among Hezbollah allies to say that it looked difficult for the alliance to secure more than 64 seats in the parliament. Lebanese parliament has 128 seats. That marked a notable drop from the 2018 elections, when the alliance won 71 seats, pulling Lebanon deeper into the orbit of Shi'ite Muslim-led Iran and away from Sunni-led Saudi Arabia. This year's results could counter that influence. Iran on Monday said it respected the vote and had never intervened in Lebanon's internal affairs. Locally, the results leave parliament fractured into several camps and more sharply polarised between Hezbollah's allies and opponents, who are not currently united into a single bloc. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Lebanon: Hezbollah and allies may lose majority in parliament

Countdown to the final results of parliamentary elections in Lebanon is on. The political fight was for 128 seats divided among 11 religious groups.

Countdown to final results of Lebanon Parliamentary Elections 2022

Polls have opened in Lebanon, candidates are competing for 128 seats that are divided among 11 religious groups. In the crisis hit nation, power is divided according to a sectarian power sharing system.

Lebanon Elections 2022: Sign of hope or looming disaster?

The citizens of Lebanon have sealed the fate of candidates vying for 128 seats divided among 11 religious groups. The voting in the crisis hit nation has closed. Watch this report by WION's correspondent Ghadi Francis.

Lebanon elections 2022: Election newcomers aim to unseat Lebanon's elite

WION's Ghadi Francis spoke to Lebanese MP Faisal Karami over the ongoing elections. He said, we've been suffering from a long time depression and bad decisions by the government that has been using the people for their own benefits. Watch the conversation!

'Lebanon is reeling under prolonged depression,' says Lebanese MP Faisal Karami on WION

WION reports live from the capital as Lebanon will go to the polls today. Independent candidates are taking on the ruling elite. Watch this report.

Polls open in Lebanon: Risk of high abstention during voting

Tracking Lebanon elections 2022: Election newcomers aim to unseat Lebanon's ruling elite

Polls have opened in Lebanon, candidates are competing for 128 seats that are divided among 11 religious groups. In the crisis hit nation, power is divided according to a sectarian power sharing system. So, who are the main players in the elections? Watch this report!

Pivotal polls in Lebanon: Who are the key players in the Lebanese elections?

Tracking Lebanon elections 2022: Lebanon holds parliamentary polls every 4 years

Lebanon goes to the polls today: Independent candidates take on the ruling elite

WION reporting live from the capital as Lebanon polls have opened today. Independent candidates are taking on the ruling elite. Watch this report to know who are the key players in Lebanese elections & decode Lebanon's complex political system.

Lebanon Elections 2022: Decoding Lebanon's complex political system

WION reports live from the capital as Lebanon will go to the polls today. Independent candidates are taking on the ruling elite. Watch this report to know who are the key players in Lebanese elections.

Lebanon Elections 2022: Lebanon battling its worst economic crisis in decades

Tracking Lebanon elections 2022: Who are the key players in Lebanese elections?

WION reports live from the capital as Lebanon will go to the polls on May 15. Watch this report where we decode Lebanon's complex political system.

Tracking the Lebanon elections 2022: WION reports live from the capital

Jamil al Sayyed was one of Lebanon's most powerful men. The former spymaster quit in 2005 after former prime minister Rafik Hariri's assassination. The veteran politician is now running for the elections again. Ghadi Francis spoke to Jamil al Sayyed in an exclusive interview. Here's what the politician had to say.

The West Asia Post: WION exclusive with Jamil al Sayyed

A global campaign has begun to hold Israel accountable for the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. Protests are being held in Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, & Lebanon. Global bodies are making calls for an independent probe. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Global campaign to hold Israel accountable for journalist's death

Lebanon is heading to the polls on the May 15. The election is coming as the West Asian country reels under its worst ever economic crisis.

Lebanon to go to polls on May 15

The Lebanon elections are just less than 2 weeks away. As WION tracks an election that could determine the future of the crisis-hit nation, Ghadi Francis spoke to Dr. Sofia Saadeh who tells us what this means for the social structure of Lebanon.

The West Asia Post: Tracking Lebanon Elections 2022

The Lebanon elections are just less than a month away. As WION tracks an election that could determine the future of the crisis-hit nation, Ghadi Francis spoke to Jawad Adra who has been analysing the elections in the country for decades.

The West Asia Post| Tracking Lebanon elections 2022| WION Exclusive with Jawad Adra

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;six people died, including a little girl, and almost 50 others were&nbsp;rescued&nbsp;after&nbsp;an overloaded&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat capsized off&nbsp;north&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;during a chase by naval forces, Lebanese officials said.

The boat carrying nearly 60 people capsized on Saturday night near the port city of Tripoli, the departure point for a growing number of people attempting a potentially lethal sea escape.

The deadly accident, weeks ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for May 15, is not the first of its kind for the crisis-hit country grappling with its worst-ever financial crash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-hands-over-337-ancient-artifacts-to-iraq-451135">Lebanon hands over 337 ancient artifacts to Iraq</a>

But it marks a grim reminder of the suffering behind a growing number of people, including Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees, risking their lives at sea in search of a future abroad.

"The army's naval forces managed to rescue&nbsp;48&nbsp;people and retrieve the body of a&nbsp;dead&nbsp;girl... from a boat that sank while trying to illegally smuggle them out," the army said in a statement.

"Most people on board were&nbsp;rescued," the army said, without specifying their nationalities.

The army retrieved five corpses&nbsp;off&nbsp;Tripoli's coast on Sunday, the state-run National News Agency reported, hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;the body of a little girl was returned to shore.

Wails of relatives rang out from a Tripoli morgue where the corpses were being kept, according to an AFP correspondent.

Dozens looked on as a group of men stormed into the morgue and pulled out the corpse of a victim for burial, the correspondent said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants

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Nearby dozens of young men lobbed stones at two army tanks, to vent their anger at the sea tragedy.

At Tripoli's port, relatives of the missing impatiently waited for news of their loved ones.

"My nephew, he has five children and his wife is pregnant with twins. He was trying to escape hunger and poverty," one man told AFP at the dockside harbour.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sunk in seconds&nbsp;

Haissam Dannaoui, the head of&nbsp;Lebanon's naval forces, said the 10-meter (33-foot) boat built in 1974 was designed to only accomodate six passengers.

But it was crammed with nearly 60 would-be migrants and took to sea without any safety precautions, he told a news conference.

Dannaoui said the army tried to thwart the smuggling operation before the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;sailed out of the Qalamoun region, south of Tripoli, but could not reach the departure point in time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-love-you-in-your-madness-lebanon-changes-slogan-to-attract-tourists-427041">‘I love you in your madness’: Lebanon changes slogan to attract tourists</a>

An ensuing sea chase saw two naval patrols trying to force the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat to turn back.

"Unfortunately, the captain (of the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat) decided to carry out manoeuvres to escape," leading to the vessel crashing into the patrol ships, Dannaoui said.

The impact cracked the hull of the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat, which quickly submerged, he said.

"In less than five seconds, the boat was under water," Dannaoui said, adding that passengers were quickly handed life jackets.

But one of the survivors said a naval&nbsp;ship&nbsp;had deliberately crashed into the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat to force it back.

"Tho patrol boat crashed into us twice... to drown us," the man told AFP at the port, before he was silenced and carried&nbsp;off&nbsp;by a crowd of survivors' relatives.

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;Najat Rochdi called for an end to these repeated tragedies.&nbsp;

"It's horrific to see deprivation still pushing people to take a perilous journey across the seas," she said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-says-government-cant-afford-to-resign-as-saudi-rift-widens-425326">Lebanon says government can't afford to resign as Saudi rift widens</a>

Death catches up

The latest incident stoked public anger in Tripoli,&nbsp;Lebanon's second city and one of its poorest.

Growing poverty and unemployment rates have turned Tripoli into a launchpad for illegal migrants.

Calls circulated on social media networks for protests outside the Tripoli home of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who declared Monday a day of national mourning to grieve the victims.

The relatives of the victims and the missing lashed out at the country's leaders.

"Even when we are trying to run away from the filth of politicians and their corruption... death catches up with us," said Nissrine Merheb who hasn't heard from her two cousins and their three children since they embarked on the deadly voyage.&nbsp;

Lebanon&nbsp;is in the grips of an unprecedented financial crisis, with the currency losing more than 90 percent of its value and the majority of the population living below the poverty line.

The economic crash has spurred an uptick in illegal sea crossings, with Lebanese nationals increasingly featuring among the Syrian and Palestinian refugees attempting sea escapes.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-loses-electricity-as-2-power-stations-face-shut-down-amid-fuel-crisis-419481">Lebanon loses electricity as 2 power stations face shut down amid fuel crisis</a>

The UN refugee agency says at&nbsp;least&nbsp;1,570 people, 186 of them Lebanese, left or tried to leave illegally by sea from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;between January and November 2021.

Most were hoping to reach European Union member Cyprus, an island 175 kilometres (110 miles) away.

In the second half of 2021,&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;stopped around 500 would-be migrants from crossing out of the country, the country's naval chief said Saturday.

At least six people died, including a little girl, and almost 50 others were rescued after an overloaded migrant boat capsized off north Lebanon during a chase by naval forces, Lebanese officials said.

At least six people died, including a little girl, and almost 50 others were rescued after an overloaded migrant boat capsized off north Lebanon during a chase by naval forces, Lebanese officials said. The boat carrying nearly 60 people capsized on Saturday night near the port city of Tripoli, the departure point for a growing number of people attempting a potentially lethal sea escape. The deadly accident, weeks ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for May 15, is not the first of its kind for the crisis-hit country grappling with its worst-ever financial crash. Also read | Lebanon hands over 337 ancient artifacts to Iraq But it marks a grim reminder of the suffering behind a growing number of people, including Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees, risking their lives at sea in search of a future abroad. "The army's naval forces managed to rescue 48 people and retrieve the body of a dead girl... from a boat that sank while trying to illegally smuggle them out," the army said in a statement. "Most people on board were rescued," the army said, without specifying their nationalities. The army retrieved five corpses off Tripoli's coast on Sunday, the state-run National News Agency reported, hours after the body of a little girl was returned to shore. Wails of relatives rang out from a Tripoli morgue where the corpses were being kept, according to an AFP correspondent. Dozens looked on as a group of men stormed into the morgue and pulled out the corpse of a victim for burial, the correspondent said. Watch | Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants Nearby dozens of young men lobbed stones at two army tanks, to vent their anger at the sea tragedy. At Tripoli's port, relatives of the missing impatiently waited for news of their loved ones. "My nephew, he has five children and his wife is pregnant with twins. He was trying to escape hunger and poverty," one man told AFP at the dockside harbour. Sunk in seconds Haissam Dannaoui, the head of Lebanon's naval forces, said the 10-meter (33-foot) boat built in 1974 was designed to only accomodate six passengers. But it was crammed with nearly 60 would-be migrants and took to sea without any safety precautions, he told a news conference. Dannaoui said the army tried to thwart the smuggling operation before the ship sailed out of the Qalamoun region, south of Tripoli, but could not reach the departure point in time. Also read | ‘I love you in your madness’: Lebanon changes slogan to attract tourists An ensuing sea chase saw two naval patrols trying to force the migrant boat to turn back. "Unfortunately, the captain (of the migrant boat) decided to carry out manoeuvres to escape," leading to the vessel crashing into the patrol ships, Dannaoui said. The impact cracked the hull of the migrant boat, which quickly submerged, he said. "In less than five seconds, the boat was under water," Dannaoui said, adding that passengers were quickly handed life jackets. But one of the survivors said a naval ship had deliberately crashed into the migrant boat to force it back. "Tho patrol boat crashed into us twice... to drown us," the man told AFP at the port, before he was silenced and carried off by a crowd of survivors' relatives. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon Najat Rochdi called for an end to these repeated tragedies. "It's horrific to see deprivation still pushing people to take a perilous journey across the seas," she said on Twitter. Also read | Lebanon says government can't afford to resign as Saudi rift widens Death catches up The latest incident stoked public anger in Tripoli, Lebanon's second city and one of its poorest. Growing poverty and unemployment rates have turned Tripoli into a launchpad for illegal migrants. Calls circulated on social media networks for protests outside the Tripoli home of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who declared Monday a day of national mourning to grieve the victims. The relatives of the victims and the missing lashed out at the country's leaders. "Even when we are trying to run away from the filth of politicians and their corruption... death catches up with us," said Nissrine Merheb who hasn't heard from her two cousins and their three children since they embarked on the deadly voyage. Lebanon is in the grips of an unprecedented financial crisis, with the currency losing more than 90 percent of its value and the majority of the population living below the poverty line. The economic crash has spurred an uptick in illegal sea crossings, with Lebanese nationals increasingly featuring among the Syrian and Palestinian refugees attempting sea escapes. Also read | Lebanon loses electricity as 2 power stations face shut down amid fuel crisis The UN refugee agency says at least 1,570 people, 186 of them Lebanese, left or tried to leave illegally by sea from Lebanon between January and November 2021. Most were hoping to reach European Union member Cyprus, an island 175 kilometres (110 miles) away. In the second half of 2021, Lebanon stopped around 500 would-be migrants from crossing out of the country, the country's naval chief said Saturday.

At least 6 dead, 48 rescued after migrant ship capsizes off Lebanon

A migrant boat carrying 60 sank off Lebanon. The army had closed off the port and allowing entry only to ambulances. Lebanese officials have rescued 50 migrants and the navy is looking for more survivors.

Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants

The Al-Aqsa has emerged as a flashpoint in the Israel-Palestine conflict after Israeli forces stormed the compound. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you how this latest escalation could lead to an all-out war.

The West Asia Post| Al-Aqsa emerges as a flashpoint| Tracking the Lebanon elections

A powerful explosion has ripped through a building in southern Lebanon killing at least one person and wounding several others. WION tells you more in this report.

Lebanon: One killed, several injured in a powerful explosion

Before Lebanon's devastating financial&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;struck, Faraj Faraj thought university could set him on a path out of a cramped family home in a poor area of Beirut and towards financial independence.

Instead, like increasing numbers of Lebanon's young people, soaring costs forced the 19-year-old to drop out of studying just over a year ago, before he had finished secondary school.

"I don't have family who can help me complete my&nbsp;education, and there's no work," he said, adding that even though he was at a state school, the cost of transport had become hard to bear.

U.N. research published in January showed that 30% of those aged 15-24 in Lebanon had dropped out of&nbsp;education. More young people are skipping meals and cutting back on health care, the survey showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-hands-over-337-ancient-artifacts-to-iraq-451135">Lebanon hands over 337 ancient artifacts to Iraq</a>

Faraj, his parents, two unemployed brothers and two younger sisters who are still in school sleep between two rooms in a small apartment in Beirut's Borj Hammoud, a neighbourhood with narrow, crowded streets that was damaged by a massive explosion at the city's port in 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic and the port blast, which still scars Beirut's seafront, deepened what the World Bank has described as one of the worst economic collapses since the mid-19th century.

Though an elite earning salaries in dollars still throngs bars and cafes in upscale neighbourhoods, poverty has risen to 80% and many struggle to afford meals and medicines.

"In the past we could buy things, even though there were difficulties," said Faraj. "Now with the&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;affecting us more, it's just food and drink."

BRAIN DRAIN

Faraj is training to become a hairdresser in a programme supported by U.N. children's agency UNICEF, which aims to help young&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;facing soaring unemployment and wages of around $2 per day for those who can find work.

"Once a young person drops out of school at the age of 13, 14, 15, it's really difficult to get them back into school, and so they enter into a very precarious job market with a serious lack of&nbsp;education&nbsp;and skills," said Alexandre Schein, head of UNICEF's youth section in Lebanon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-lebanon-gets-hit-in-proxy-war-india-to-produce-vaccines-and-more-425450">Morning news brief: Lebanon gets hit in proxy war, India to produce vaccines and more</a>

"The implications are that the skills that are required to rebuild Lebanon and get it out of the&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;won't exist in the country."

U.N. and government data also shows a drop in spending on&nbsp;education&nbsp;and in school enrolment for children under 15, as well as a rise in child labour.

Some families have shifted from private to state schools, but those struggled to provide distance learning when the pandemic broke out and were hit by stoppages and strikes over teachers' low wages after reopening.

Many school and university teaching staff have left their jobs or the country, joining an accelerating brain drain.

Watch |&nbsp;Lebanon's middle class squeezed by economic crisis

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The problems are tied to the country's wider political and economic&nbsp;crisis,&nbsp;Education&nbsp;Minister Abbas el-Halabi said.

"Lebanese&nbsp;youth are gradually losing faith in continuing to live in Lebanon," he told Reuters.

"It's true that we've seen dropping out or&nbsp;abandonment or a distancing from schools. There are many families who no longer consider&nbsp;education&nbsp;important, but there is also great interest from some&nbsp;Lebanese, since this is the only weapon that they can give their children."

Before Lebanon's devastating financial crisis struck, Faraj Faraj thought university could set him on a path out of a cramped family home in a poor area of Beirut and towards financial independence.

Before Lebanon's devastating financial crisis struck, Faraj Faraj thought university could set him on a path out of a cramped family home in a poor area of Beirut and towards financial independence. Instead, like increasing numbers of Lebanon's young people, soaring costs forced the 19-year-old to drop out of studying just over a year ago, before he had finished secondary school. "I don't have family who can help me complete my education, and there's no work," he said, adding that even though he was at a state school, the cost of transport had become hard to bear. U.N. research published in January showed that 30% of those aged 15-24 in Lebanon had dropped out of education. More young people are skipping meals and cutting back on health care, the survey showed. Also read | Lebanon hands over 337 ancient artifacts to Iraq Faraj, his parents, two unemployed brothers and two younger sisters who are still in school sleep between two rooms in a small apartment in Beirut's Borj Hammoud, a neighbourhood with narrow, crowded streets that was damaged by a massive explosion at the city's port in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic and the port blast, which still scars Beirut's seafront, deepened what the World Bank has described as one of the worst economic collapses since the mid-19th century. Though an elite earning salaries in dollars still throngs bars and cafes in upscale neighbourhoods, poverty has risen to 80% and many struggle to afford meals and medicines. "In the past we could buy things, even though there were difficulties," said Faraj. "Now with the crisis affecting us more, it's just food and drink." BRAIN DRAIN Faraj is training to become a hairdresser in a programme supported by U.N. children's agency UNICEF, which aims to help young Lebanese facing soaring unemployment and wages of around $2 per day for those who can find work. "Once a young person drops out of school at the age of 13, 14, 15, it's really difficult to get them back into school, and so they enter into a very precarious job market with a serious lack of education and skills," said Alexandre Schein, head of UNICEF's youth section in Lebanon. Also read | Morning news brief: Lebanon gets hit in proxy war, India to produce vaccines and more "The implications are that the skills that are required to rebuild Lebanon and get it out of the crisis won't exist in the country." U.N. and government data also shows a drop in spending on education and in school enrolment for children under 15, as well as a rise in child labour. Some families have shifted from private to state schools, but those struggled to provide distance learning when the pandemic broke out and were hit by stoppages and strikes over teachers' low wages after reopening. Many school and university teaching staff have left their jobs or the country, joining an accelerating brain drain. Watch | Lebanon's middle class squeezed by economic crisis The problems are tied to the country's wider political and economic crisis, Education Minister Abbas el-Halabi said. "Lebanese youth are gradually losing faith in continuing to live in Lebanon," he told Reuters. "It's true that we've seen dropping out or abandonment or a distancing from schools. There are many families who no longer consider education important, but there is also great interest from some Lebanese, since this is the only weapon that they can give their children."

Lebanese youths abandon education as crisis struck

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