Social Development Ministry and ILO Discuss Support for Displaced Families and Strengthening Social Protection
The Ministry of Social Development and the International Labour Organization (ILO) held a virtual meeting to discuss the situation of displaced families in the West Bank, the challenges faced by the ministry in delivering humanitarian assistance, and ways to enhance social protection through cash assistance programs and joint initiatives.
During the meeting, Dr. Samah Hamad highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with international and local partners, to provide emergency assistance to affected families. She noted that the number of displaced individuals in the West Bank has reached approximately 50,000, spread across 35 villages. Some displaced families are hosted in private homes, while others reside in temporary shelters within schools and government buildings. She emphasized that the ministry is working on more sustainable housing solutions, such as constructing small housing units on government-owned land to ease the burden on shelter centers and improve living conditions for displaced families.
Dr. Hamad also addressed the financial challenges facing the government’s social protection programs, explaining that cash assistance for vulnerable families is coordinated with the World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners. However, funding shortages pose a major challenge to the continuity of these programs. She stressed the importance of collaboration with the ILO to enhance cash distribution mechanisms, ensuring they integrate both emergency response efforts and long-term social protection programs. Special priority should be given to the most vulnerable groups, including female-headed households, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Representatives of the ILO reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the ministry in developing social protection systems and expanding "Cash for Work" programs, which help affected families improve their economic conditions sustainably. Both parties also discussed restructuring cash assistance distribution mechanisms to ensure greater transparency and fairness, particularly given the growing number of individuals in need.
Dr. Hamad concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need to strengthen international partnerships to ensure the continuous provision of aid to affected families. She also announced that the ministry is establishing an Operations Center to coordinate humanitarian response efforts among government entities and international organizations, ensuring that aid reaches those in need efficiently and effectively.
