Good evening,
Today, I want to use this press conference to talk about the work of the Ministry of Social Affairs at this stage.
First: I want to confirm that all development centers, the ministry’s main office in Beirut, and the regional offices in the governorates that are not threatened remain fully operational, providing health, social, and other services—especially in border areas—and continuing services such as the mobile clinic in Marjeyoun.
Second: Care Institutions
I would like to extend great thanks to social care institutions, and institutions caring for the elderly and people with disabilities, which continue to provide their services despite all circumstances. As a ministry, we will make every effort to ensure their entitlements and the continuity of these services.
Third: Cash Support for Displaced and Resilient Families
As part of our plan to support families outside shelters, the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Emergency Response Cash Program has supported to date:
7,000 families of our resilient residents in border villages
50,000 families displaced for the second time, and 15,000 families outside shelters
These aid efforts continue for those registered on the platform, depending on available funding.
Fourth: “Aman” Program
First, I want to reassure people: the “Aman” program continues. Over the past year, it formed a core cash support network benefiting 163,000 families, roughly 800,000 people, helping improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable households.
At the same time, and from our responsibility, we must be clear:
This is public money, and access must reach only the entitled.
Therefore, “Aman” is being renewed to enhance targeting methodology and ensure transparent use of resources.
Based on evaluation results that are gradually appearing, we disbursed the latest installment at the beginning of March for 84,000 families.
In the next installment, an additional 20,000 families will benefit.
The evaluation is ongoing, and text messages will gradually be sent to families who were excluded, while eligible families will be added as soon as funding becomes available.
Regarding the additional funding from the World Bank previously announced: legal procedures to refer it to Parliament are being completed, and we will continue expanding the program according to approved criteria.
Fifth: Support for People with Disabilities
The ministry continues to support people with disabilities through the Cash Allowance Program for targeted age groups: from 0 to 30 and 64 and above.
Finally, I want to send a clear message to journalists covering people’s stories: it is certainly important to convey the suffering, but it is equally important that any case needing shelter, follow-up, or referral maintains direct communication with the ministry or our field teams so we can provide the required assistance.
Finally, my heartfelt thanks go to all Ministry of Social Affairs staff who work daily under these difficult conditions. Your work makes a real difference, and we thank you on behalf of every Lebanese citizen.
May God protect Lebanon and its people.
