The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, warned on Friday that the situation in Lebanon, which faces the worst economic crisis in its history, "is quickly getting out of control."
A statement to Bachelet said that some of the most vulnerable Lebanese are at risk of death due to this crisis, adding that everyone must act immediately before it is too late.
The UN official called on the Lebanese government and political parties to initiate urgent reforms and respond to the people's basic needs, such as food, electricity, health, and education.
She reminded that among the most vulnerable in Lebanon are about 1.7 million refugees, the majority of whom are Syrians, and 250,000 migrant workers, who have lost their jobs and are left homeless.
Lebanon is experiencing the worst economic crisis in its history, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and a highly sensitive political atmosphere, complicated by the tensions between the United States and Hezbollah, Iran's ally who dominates Lebanese political life.
In recent months, tens of thousands of Lebanese have lost their jobs or percentages have been deducted from their wages, while the value of the national currency is witnessing a sharp decline accompanied by a decline in purchasing power.
Severe restrictions on bank deposits severely limit withdrawals and transfers abroad, due to the severe shortage in the dollar.