Beirut: The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), in collaboration with UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO), announced a new financial aid initiative aimed at assisting families of children and persons with disabilities impacted by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the emergency financial support involves a one-time cash payment of USD 100, targeting approximately 6,000 families with children with disabilities aged 0 to 19 from conflict-affected regions. These families are already part of the National Disability Allowance (NDA) program, directly benefiting around 24,000 individuals. The initiative plans to extend its reach to more families with persons with disabilities, contingent upon the evolving situation and resource availability.
Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Sayyed, emphasized the ministry's commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, highlighting the role of international partners like UNICEF and the ILO in expanding the response to ensure no one is excluded from the social protection system. In addition, the NDA's regular payments for all 34,000 persons with disabilities have been advanced to address the rising needs during emergencies and displacements.
This initiative is part of the NDA's emergency response activation, supported by UNICEF and the ILO, and funded by the Ministry and its European partners. Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, noted the significance of strengthening national systems to provide timely and reliable support to vulnerable families during crises.
ILO Regional Director for Arab States, Ruba Jaradat, reiterated the organization's commitment to ensuring the NDA continues to support those most in need, safeguarding their rights and dignity. The NDA Emergency Response leverages successful experiences from Lebanon's 2024 hostilities, providing rights-based support through national systems and empowering persons with disabilities to overcome barriers and shape their futures.