Lebanese Government Develops Comprehensive Plan for Return and Recovery

Minister of Social Affairs Hanin Al-Sayyid received a senior ministerial delegation at the Grand Serail, including Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, the United Kingdom's Minister of State for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman, and France's Delegate Minister for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Citizens Abroad Éléonore Caro.

The visit served as a significant occasion to reaffirm ongoing political and humanitarian solidarity with Lebanon amid the exceptional circumstances caused by the war and its humanitarian, social, and economic repercussions. The discussions included an overview of the humanitarian developments in Lebanon and the government's efforts to respond to the crisis, as well as ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between Lebanon and its international partners to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian aid and support for the groups most affected by the conflict.

The visiting ministers affirmed their countries' support for Lebanon and its people during this critical period, emphasizing the importance of sustained humanitarian assistance, strengthening partnerships with Lebanese institutions, and continuing efforts to protect civilians and support stability and recovery.

During the meeting, Minister Al-Sayyid welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as "not merely a solidarity visit, but a clear political and humanitarian message that Lebanon is not alone, and that its friends and partners remain alongside it in this delicate phase."

She explained that "the past months have been harsh for the Lebanese, with hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes and many towns and local communities affected," noting that "from day one, the state has led the national response to the crisis through ministries, official institutions, the Disaster Risk Management Unit, and municipalities, in partnership with the United Nations, international organizations, and donors."

Minister Al-Sayyid outlined "the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Social Affairs, where more than 600 specialists and social workers are active on the ground, while national cash assistance programs have reached over 250,000 affected and displaced families, in addition to families residing in border areas impacted by the conflict."

She stressed that "Lebanon is not only focused on the current humanitarian response but is also preparing for the post-war phase," confirming that "the Lebanese government is working on a comprehensive plan for return and recovery that will enable displaced persons to return to their areas safely and with dignity, and will relaunch economic and social life in the affected regions."

The delegation visited the Disaster Risk Management Unit at the Grand Serail, where they reviewed the coordination mechanisms and national response to the crisis. They then accompanied the Minister of Social Affairs to a collective shelter center in Beirut to directly observe the conditions of displaced families and the efforts to meet their needs.

The visit concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing cooperation between Lebanon and its international partners to support the ongoing humanitarian response and to prepare for the phases of return, recovery, and reconstruction, ensuring the Lebanese people's right to security, stability, and a better future.