The Ministry of Social Affairs Unveils a New Vision for Child and Family Care Services in Lebanon

23 January 2025 - The Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) has announced a transformative new vision for child and family care services in Lebanon, marking a pivotal step towards safeguarding the well-being of children and families, particularly the most vulnerable. Developed in partnership with UNICEF and through financial support from the European Union and the governments of Switzerland and the Netherlands, this initiative realigns the ministry's priorities and services to address Lebanon's evolving social challenges, guided by the National Social Protection Strategy, international conventions, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The vision stems from an extensive data-driven analysis of the political, economic, and social crises impacting children and families. Key issues identified include high poverty rates, limited access to quality education, mental health challenges, child labor and marriage, violence against children and women, family disintegration, and increasing crime rates.

“This vision reflects the Ministry’s commitment to addressing these critical issues by adopting strategies that enhance the well-being of children and families,” said Hector Hajjar, Minister of Social Affairs. “It emphasizes family involvement in decision-making, securing resources to meet basic needs, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organizations, to provide integrated and effective social services.”

The Ministry’s approach prioritizes preventive services while empowering communities and families to promote overall well-being. This will be complemented by strengthening oversight of specialized secondary and tertiary services in collaboration with relevant partners.

“The EU remains fully committed to working closely with all partners to make this vision a reality,” said Cedric Pierard, Team Leader, Governance and Social Sectors at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon. “We encourage the Government to mobilize the necessary revenue streams. This mobilization must go hand in hand with adopting the much-needed sector reforms the EU has been advocating for”.

Developed with support from UNICEF, this vision serves as a strategic planning framework. "This vision represents a significant opportunity to enhance the well-being of children and families in Lebanon," said Akhil Iyer, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. "By addressing issues such as violence and discrimination, involving families in decisions, and ensuring essential resources, we can create a stronger, more inclusive support system. Collaboration between all stakeholders will be vital in achieving these goals."

The next phase will involve creating a comprehensive implementation plan to translate these goals into action. A central focus of the new vision is improving the provision of social services at the local level, emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency. Reforms include redefining administrative roles and structures to eliminate redundancies and enhance coordination between the Ministry of Social Affairs and other sectors.

Ultimately, this vision seeks to ensure that children and families in Lebanon thrive in supportive, safe, and nurturing environments. It aims to meet their physical, psychological, emotional, and social needs while protecting them from violence, providing emotional support, and ensuring their voices are heard.