Thousands of Lebanese have been struggling with poverty since 2019 due to the financial collapse that shook the country, a situation worsened recently by the ongoing war in the south for about six months between Hezbollah and Israel, owing to its negative impacts on most sectors. Minister of Social Affairs Hector Hajjar spoke about "the increasing rates of poverty in Lebanon since 2019 until now," stating in a statement to "Asharq Al-Awsat" that "the multidimensional poverty rate among Lebanese has reached 82 percent, while 32 percent are living in extreme poverty."
Hajjar pointed out that "the war in the south has negatively impacted many families who could not harvest their crops that would have financed them for a whole year," revealing that "the ministerial committee that was supposed to monitor the situation in the south has not met even once since its formation."
The national social protection strategy approved by the government last February marks a significant shift in social policies, which is expected to support the nearly disappeared middle class. This strategy presents a comprehensive vision based on five pillars: social assistance, social security, social welfare, job opportunities for the most vulnerable, and financial support to access educational and health services.
Hajjar clarified that his ministry started implementing this strategy even before its approval but emphasized the need for securing the necessary budgets. He warned of "dangerous indicators regarding the reduction of external funding for both Lebanese and Syrians, which could lead to social instability pushing those who can emigrate, while the Syrian displaced become an available alternative, all of this amidst significant changes occurring in the region."
