11 March 2026– Beirut, Lebanon – The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), in partnership with UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO), today announced emergency financial support for families of children and persons with disabilities affected by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
The one-off cash support of USD 100 will reach approximately 6,000 families with children with disabilities aged 0 to 19 (born between 2007 and 2026) from conflict-affected areas who are already enrolled in the National Disability Allowance (NDA), benefiting around 24,000 individuals. The support is planned to expand to reach more families with persons with disabilities, subject to the evolving situation and the availability of resources.
Minister of Social Affair, Haneen Sayyed said:” Supporting persons with disabilities is a cornerstone of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ vision to build an inclusive social protection system based on justice and equality. In light of the current crisis and the additional pressures it places on the most vulnerable families, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening social protection programmes that safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities and facilitate their access to essential support and services. We also deeply value the support of our international partners, mainly UNICEF and the ILO.” “Partnership and solidarity are what enable us to expand the response, reach those most in need, and ensure that no one is left outside the social protection system.” She added
In parallel, the scheduled NDA regular payments for all 34,000 persons with disabilities were advanced, to meet the rising needs of households with persons with disabilities, particularly during emergency and displacement.
This intervention is part of the activation of the emergency response of the (NDA), MoSA’s national disability social assistance programme supported by UNICEF and the ILO and funded by the Ministry and its European partners.
“In times of crisis, children and persons with disabilities are often among the most vulnerable, as families face displacement, loss of income, and the additional costs associated with disability,” said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “Through the activation of the National Disability Allowance emergency assistance with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the ILO, UNICEF is supporting national systems that can rapidly scale up assistance in difficult times. Strengthening these systems is essential to ensure that vulnerable families receive timely and reliable support when they need it most.”
“For years, the ILO has worked hand in hand with the Government of Lebanon and its partners to build an inclusive and sustainable social protection system that can contain crises,” said ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat. “At a time when the country is facing profound challenges, the ILO remains firmly committed to ensuring that the National Disability Allowance continues to reach and support those most in need, safeguarding the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable members of society,” Jaradat said.
The NDA Emergency Response builds on successful experience from Lebanon’s 2024 hostilities. Launched in April 2023, the NDA provides predictable, rights-based support to persons with disabilities through national systems. Since its inception, thousands have received regular cash transfers via a structured and inclusive framework, while also accessing health, education, protection, and livelihood services, helping remove barriers and empowering persons with disabilities to shape their own futures.
About UNICEF
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