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Cowell affirms UK support to Lebanon's social protection systems

They addressed support for conflict-affected populations, internally displaced persons, and the evolving refugee file.  

Hamish Cowell with Minister Haneen El Sayed

British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, met with the Minister of Social Affairs (MoSA), Haneen Sayed, to reaffirm the UK’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Lebanese national social protection systems. This includes MoSA’s rights and access programme for people with disabilities and support to vulnerable Lebanese communities through the UK’s £5 million contribution to the AMAN programme.  

They discussed ongoing UK support to MoSA programmes on social protection through international and local partners including the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Ambassador Cowell congratulated Minister Sayed on the restructuring of the Ministry and her vision and priorities. They also addressed support for conflict-affected populations, internally displaced persons, and the evolving refugee file.  

Following the meeting Ambassador Cowell said: 

I am proud of our partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs to strengthen vital national social protection systems and reach the most vulnerable Lebanese families. Through recent £5M UK funding, over two hundred thousand vulnerable Lebanese individuals have accessed basic assistance through the AMAN programme. 

The UK remains committed to working with the Government of Lebanon and partners to support those in need.

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Published 2 October 2025