A New Step to Enhance Targeting of Affected Families Through Data Integration
As part of the Ministry of Social Development’s efforts to strengthen the unified national database of war-affected families and individuals, and to improve targeting mechanisms to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need with fairness and transparency, the Ministry signed a data-sharing agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This step builds on the Ministry’s recent international partnership efforts, following the signing of a similar agreement with UNRWA.
This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision to enhance the integration of national social protection systems by linking databases, updating family information, and developing joint beneficiary lists to prevent duplication and ensure equitable distribution of assistance.
The agreement is based on a clear data-sharing mechanism that adheres to the highest standards of privacy protection and information security. Data will be used exclusively for targeting, verification, monitoring, auditing, and supporting complaint mechanisms, in line with national data protection policies.
The Ministry affirmed that the unified data update form serves as the primary tool in the targeting process. It enables the collection of accurate and updated information on the social and economic conditions of families, including income levels, household size, displacement status, disability, children at heightened risk, and other key indicators that ensure assistance is directed based on actual and assessed needs.
The Ministry stressed that updating citizens’ data is a fundamental step to ensure their inclusion in various support programs, whether emergency cash assistance or other sectoral programs. Any targeting or inclusion in beneficiary lists depends directly on the verified data recorded in the National Social Registry.
This agreement reflects the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to building a more efficient and shock-responsive social protection system based on partnerships with international institutions. It aims to unify efforts, enhance transparency, and ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable groups, particularly in light of the difficult humanitarian conditions facing Palestine.
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MoSD Announces the Launch of Procedures to Develop a Regional Ageing Index in Cooperation with ESCWA
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief, Dr. Samah Hamad, announced that the Ministry of Social Development has initiated procedures to develop a regional ageing index in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The initiative aims to develop a regional tool to measure the situation of older persons and identify their needs, contributing to the development of policies, programmes, and services provided for them. Dr. Hamad affirmed that the Ministry has given this project high priority at the current stage, given its importance in strengthening the data system related to older persons and providing scientific indicators that help assess their situation, identify their needs, and support evidence-based planning and policymaking, thereby improving the quality of services and social protection provided to this group. She explained that the project builds on the discussions held during the workshops organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the participation of national focal points on ageing and older persons, as well as national statistical offices from Arab countries. These discussions underscored the importance of developing a unified regional index that serves as a scientific reference for measuring the situation of older persons and monitoring progress in protecting their rights and improving their quality of life. Dr. Hamad added that the index will support the Ministry's efforts to develop national policies and programmes for older persons by strengthening the use of data and statistics in setting priorities and guiding interventions, in line with the demographic changes and the social and humanitarian challenges facing the region. She noted that the Ministry has begun completing the necessary technical and administrative procedures for implementing the project through coordination with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, in accordance with the approved mechanism for cooperation with ESCWA, in preparation for the commencement of joint work on developing the index. Dr. Hamad emphasized that the development of the index reflects the Ministry of Social Development's commitment to strengthening cooperation with regional and international institutions and benefiting from technical expertise in developing modern data-driven tools that support the rights of older persons, contribute to building more efficient and responsive social policies, and enhance their quality of life and dignity.
MoSD Signs Agreement with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society to Strengthen Protection Services
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development today signed a cooperation agreement with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS), with support and funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aimed at strengthening the protection system for women and girls and ensuring the continuity and development of protection, case management, psychosocial support, and empowerment services. The agreement seeks to improve the quality of services provided, particularly for women and girls who are survivors of violence or at risk of violence. The signing ceremony was attended by Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection; Mohammad Al-Qarm, Director General of the General Directorate of Family Affairs; and Hiba Jebat, Head of the Gender Unit. Representing the Palestinian Medical Relief Society were Dr. Suhail Aqabneh, Director General; Dr. Jameel Hamad, Jenin Area Director; Dr. Maryam Sawalmeh, Programmes and Projects Coordinator; and Bahia Omrah, Director of External Relations and Projects. Also in attendance were Shruti Ho, Assistant Representative and Programme Manager at the United Nations Population Fund, and Sana Assi, Gender Analyst. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the Ministry and the Society to strengthen protection services for women and girls, ensure the continued operation of the Protection Centre in Jenin Governorate, and provide case management, psychosocial support, awareness-raising, and empowerment services. It also includes capacity-building for staff and the development of service delivery mechanisms. Funded by UNFPA, the agreement provides for the recruitment of 15 staff members, including 13 personnel whose previous contracts had ended to ensure the continuity of protection services, in addition to creating two new positions to support the Protection Centre in Jenin Governorate, without imposing any direct financial obligations on the Ministry of Social Development. Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief, Dr. Samah Hamad, stated that the agreement represents an important step toward strengthening the social protection system and enhancing services provided to women and girls, particularly survivors of violence. She noted that programmes addressing the protection of women and children are among the most complex and sensitive programmes implemented by the Ministry in light of growing humanitarian and social needs. She stressed that strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations and international partners is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the continuity and further development of services, while guaranteeing their accessibility to the most vulnerable groups. For his part, Dr. Suhail Aqabneh, Director General of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, stated that the agreement reflects the long-standing partnership between the Society and the Ministry of Social Development and contributes to ensuring the continuity of protection and psychosocial support services, particularly in Jenin Governorate. He affirmed that the Society will continue working alongside the Ministry to further develop services and reach those most in need, ensuring a more effective and sustainable response. Meanwhile, Shruti Ho, Assistant Representative and Programme Manager at UNFPA, reaffirmed the Fund’s continued support for the Ministry of Social Development in strengthening protection services for women and girls. He noted that the agreement’s funding is intended to ensure the continuity of essential services and strengthen the capacities of national institutions. He also highlighted that UNFPA is working to assess and improve services provided through safe spaces for women, contributing to better service distribution and enhanced access for beneficiaries. The parties affirmed that the agreement marks an important step in strengthening partnerships among government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, contributing to the development and sustainability of social protection services. They also stressed the importance of continued coordination to ensure that protection, psychosocial support, and empowerment services reach women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
