Rome: Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Hanin El Sayed said Italy can play an active role in Lebanon's recovery, particularly by supporting displaced families, helping them restore their livelihoods, and ensuring their dignity.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, El Sayed emphasized the importance of Italian and international support for Lebanon during a gathering hosted by the Lebanese Embassy in Rome. The event, which coincided with the launch of the international humanitarian coalition "Rooted for Lebanon," saw the minister highlighting the necessity of government and international assistance. This includes support from Italy and the European Union, which remains a crucial part of the humanitarian response. The new coalition aims to mobilize additional private-sector resources and channel them directly to vulnerable families.
El Sayed stated that the initiative has successfully raised approximately $338,000 in private donations since its inception in May. The funds are set to be transferred directly to verified beneficiary families through a digital system, enabling them to receive and withdraw assistance via local money-transfer companies. The program places particular focus on older people, persons with disabilities, families with children, and women-headed households, offering displaced families flexible assistance to address their priorities, such as food, medicine, and education.
Lebanese Ambassador to Italy Carla Jazzar remarked on the significant role the Lebanese community in Italy can play in supporting Lebanon's recovery. She noted that assistance is not merely financial but also reflects the enduring ties with the country. Jazzar described the "Rooted for Lebanon" campaign as a component of broader efforts to help displaced families and local communities transition from emergency response to recovery and rebuilding.
Italy further demonstrated its commitment by announcing a pound 10 million humanitarian contribution in March to mitigate the crisis's impact in Lebanon and address urgent needs in conflict-affected communities. This package includes pound 2 million each for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Humanitarian Fund and the Red Cross, and pound 6 million for NGOs operating in Lebanon, alongside medicines, food, and personal hygiene supplies.
The Italian Foreign Ministry stated that this contribution underscores Italy's solidarity with Lebanon and its people, reaffirming its dedication to collaborating closely with Lebanese authorities and the United Nations to ensure humanitarian assistance effectively reaches those in need.