Lebanese state has started providing aid to disabled people, says Minister Hajjar

Caretaker Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs Hector Hajjar announced on Thursday that the Lebanese state has begun transferring aid to people with disabilities, as part of an initiative aimed at "establishing a comprehensive system to protect all people with disabilities."

"The Lebanese state, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, is transferring an amount of 8.865 million Lebanese Lira (about $100) per person, intended for 17,967 disabled Lebanese aged 0 to 30, and holders of valid disability cards," Hajjar said in a press conference carried by the state-run National News Agency (NNA). He reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to "establishing a comprehensive system to protect all persons with disabilities."

The minister clarified that "transfers for people aged 31 to 64 will be made before Dec. 22," while calling on money transfer companies to respect the amounts without applying deductions.

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For those with valid cards who have not been contacted, he invited them to call the following number: 04-727470.

UNICEF support

Regarding the official disability cards issued by his ministry, Hajjar announced that "nearly 30 people are currently working to update the information related to the cards. A plan has been put in place with UNICEF and the concerned parties to renew expired cards, update the data and issue them for those who do not have them yet." He added: "We will mobilize doctors across Lebanon to travel from village to village, conduct medical examinations, and issue cards."

The minister also specified that starting Jan. 1, a monthly transfer of $40 will be provided to beneficiaries throughout the year, with the support of the International Labor Organization (ILO), UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the Lebanese state. "Starting in April, we will focus on the age group above 31. We have already secured part of the necessary funds and are working to secure additional budgets for the rights of persons with disabilities in the future," he added.

In April 2023, the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs, in partnership with UNICEF and the ILO, announced the establishment of a “National Disability Allowance Program” (NDA). The program, funded by the European Union, aims to provide financial support to people with disabilities living in Lebanon to cover disability-related costs and facilitate access to basic services for targeted individuals.

'Wait three months'

During the conference, Hajjar also addressed the issue of mental health.

“We inaugurated the first mobile clinic in Marjayoun,” he said, praising the medical team that continued to work despite the war between Hezbollah and Israel. He expressed his gratitude to the doctors in south Lebanon, as well as to the Lebanese army and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who contributed to transportation and medical assistance in the affected areas.

He also thanked the people of the south for welcoming the displaced. A new mobile clinic will be deployed next week, in partnership with the ICRC and regional social centers, including in Anout, Barja, Shhim and Wardanieh, he said.

The minister also noted that since the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, "a rapid return of citizens to their villages" has been observed. 93 percent of those who were in shelters have returned home, he added. "Some whose homes were completely destroyed, about 100,000 residential units are affected, need permanent housing," he noted.

Hajjar recalled that all health service centers are functioning in Lebanon, "except in the destroyed regions."

"We will not stop until we open all our centers and provide all social, health and psychological support services," he stated.

Hajjar also spoke of a new influx of displaced people following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8 following a rebel offensive.

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“Priority is given to the Lebanese who are returning to their homes, and we are at their side to provide them with the necessary services,” he said. Regarding the displaced Syrians who have been in Lebanon for 13 years, he said that assistance would continue to be provided to them while calling for patience until the security situation in Syria allows for a sustainable return.

“Those who have waited 13 years can wait three months until the situation is conducive to return,” he said. 

This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.