The national emergency plan, the humanitarian and health situation and the aid distribution mechanism were discussed at a participatory working meeting held by the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC) on Thursday with the coordinators of the Emergency Committee, caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin and caretaker Health Minister Firass Abiad.
“Unfortunately, this crisis may be prolonged, which calls for more organization, and what is needed is social solidarity,” said ESEC President Charles Arbid at the conclusion of the meeting, emphasizing that “the goal of the gathering is to include civil society organizations in the distribution of aid and ensure their presence at people’s side.”
Additionally, Arbid emphasized the need “to be frank and open with people, especially as we are reaching a difficult stage that will be even more difficult than today” and urged the establishment of an economic and social emergency committee to look for answers following the ceasefire.
He went on to say, “We need to start thinking about solutions linked to restarting economic engines in order to return to a productive society,” noting that the war had harmed numerous enterprises and organizations.
He also expressed sadness over the country’s paralysis, the lack of consumption and the extremely low growth rates, hoping that “economic activity will be restored in order to stand by the people when a ceasefire is reached.”
He reaffirmed the Economic Council’s constant presence as a forum for communication with the government, ministers and civil society.
For his part, Yassin stated that he was working on measures to ensure that displaced people receive humanitarian relief, with a particular focus on the shelters, “where there are around 45,000 families, not counting around 174,000 or 175,000 families outside the centers,” as a result of 45 days of violence.
Lastly, Abiad emphasized that the health emergency plan developed by his Ministry is working effectively and being properly implemented, allowing the medical community to treat a significant number of injured and displaced people.
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