Libya's Social Affairs Minister Announces Comprehensive Overhaul of Support and Care Programs

Libya's Minister of Social Affairs and Chair of the Supreme Childhood Committee, Fawzia Abubakr al-Kilani, has unveiled plans for a comprehensive development of the country's social protection and care programs. The announcement came during a high-level meeting with the UNICEF representative in Libya, focused on strengthening cooperation for 2026 and expanding services for children, persons with disabilities, and low-income families across the country.

Main Facts and Key Details

The meeting between Minister al-Kilani and the UNICEF Libya representative addressed several critical areas of joint cooperation. Discussions centered on mechanisms for implementing shared programs between the Ministry and UNICEF, improving social services delivery, and advancing child protection and psychosocial support initiatives. Key agenda items included empowering productive families, developing a unified social data and monitoring system, and enhancing awareness campaigns alongside capacity-building programs for social sector workers.

The Minister emphasized the importance of expanding the partnership with UNICEF to support the Ministry's efforts in improving the quality of services provided to children and families, contributing to social stability and sustainable development goals. The Ministry has intensified its activities in recent weeks through a series of internal and international meetings and events focused on developing the social protection framework and supporting the most vulnerable groups.

Reactions and Context

In a related development, Minister al-Kilani participated in a reception hosted by the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the UN Resident Coordinator in Libya, marking the conclusion of the annual meeting of leaders of UN agencies, funds, and programs. The event was attended by several ministers, officials, and diplomatic mission representatives.

During the gathering, participants stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships between national institutions and UN agencies, developing joint programs to support women, children, and the most needy families, and enhancing economic empowerment and community care initiatives. Minister al-Kilani stated that the Ministry's participation in these events represents an opportunity to exchange expertise and strengthen international cooperation in support of the Ministry's plans to develop social services and achieve development and stability goals.

The Minister also honored children with disabilities who won the "Zidni Ilman" (Increase Me in Knowledge) competition for the Holy Quran and Hadith in its second edition, held under the Ministry's patronage in Tripoli. She praised the efforts of the competition organizers and noted that the next edition will be expanded to a regional level to broaden participation.

Challenges and Outlook

The Ministry of Social Affairs extended official congratulations to beneficiaries of security and military pensions and retirees who are covered by the financial support decisions and exceptional grants issued by the Government of National Unity. The Ministry confirmed that these measures represent important support for deserving groups and help alleviate the burden of rising living costs.

The Ministry affirmed its continued commitment to implementing social protection programs and developing the social care system to ensure improved services and an expanded safety net for the most vulnerable groups across all Libyan cities. The planned overhaul of support and care programs, combined with strengthened international partnerships, signals a renewed push to address the pressing social challenges facing Libyan society amid ongoing economic and political transitions.

As Libya continues to navigate complex social and economic conditions, the Ministry's comprehensive approach — spanning child protection, disability inclusion, family empowerment, and pension support — reflects an effort to build a more resilient and inclusive social safety net for all citizens.