In a recent conference organized by the Danish Refugee Council in partnership with the Arab Reform Initiative, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and social protection systems in the Middle East. This event, focusing on crises in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Jordan, emphasized the urgent need for integrated responses that go beyond short-term aid to build sustainable social protection frameworks.

The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) actively participated in the conference, alongside other international and national partners. ARDD has been a committed partner in this initiative since the initial discussions in September 2023. This latest conference marked the third in a series of dialogues dedicated to addressing the complexities of integrating humanitarian aid with social protection systems.

A Call for Integrated Solutions

As in previous occasions, the conference aimed to break down silos between humanitarian aid and long-term development efforts. It brought together international and local NGOs, civil society organizations, researchers, UN agencies, and donors to address critical challenges in the region. The central theme was clear: tackling humanitarian crises requires more than just emergency relief. Instead, it demands a shift towards systems that can support vulnerable populations sustainably over the long term.

One of the core ideas discussed was how to make humanitarian aid more aligned with social protection programs. This includes ensuring that, over time, beneficiaries of aid can transition into state-led social protection schemes, thus reducing dependency on short-term relief.

Challenges in the Arab Region

The conference highlighted the urgent issues facing the Arab world today:

            1. Rising Poverty: Poverty rates in Arab countries have surged, with nearly 130 million people now classified as poor—a third of the region’s population. While some Gulf countries benefit from oil revenues, other states struggle to maintain social welfare systems amidst economic downturns.

            2. Widespread Unemployment: Unemployment rates in the Arab region hit 12% in 2022, the highest globally (ESCWA, 2022)). Informal labor is rampant, particularly in countries like Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, where many workers lack access to social protection, health benefits, or job security.

            3. Impact of Refugee Crises: The Arab region hosts nearly half of the world’s refugees, placing enormous pressure on already strained resources. Countries like Jordan and Lebanon bear a disproportionate burden, affecting their economic stability and social cohesion.

            4. Political Instability: Even in countries not currently experiencing armed conflict, political instability is pervasive. This instability is exacerbated by the current geopolitical situation, along with nternal and external displacement, putting additional strain on social services.

Social Protection in Focus

The discussions also addressed the state of social protection systems in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon:

            • Iraq: A newly approved social security law aims to expand coverage, but challenges like bureaucracy and corruption hinder its effectiveness. With 7 million Iraqis currently receiving benefits, the system still faces gaps in reaching informal workers.

            • Lebanon: The economic collapse of 2019 exposed the fragility of Lebanon’s social safety nets. Much of the population relies on sectarian or politically affiliated NGOs for support, further entrenching social divisions.

            • Jordan: Despite progress, such as the 2016 Jordan Compact allowing Syrian refugees access to certain labor markets and social security, refugees continue to face significant economic hardships. Many are unable to renew work permits due to high costs, pushing them into the informal sector.

Towards a Sustainable Future

The takeaway from the conference was clear: addressing social and humanitarian challenges in the Arab region requires a shift from reactive aid to proactive, sustainable solutions. Integrating humanitarian assistance with social protection systems can help build resilience, improve social cohesion, and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.

However, achieving these goals will require more than just policy changes. It will take genuine political will, robust data-driven strategies, and a commitment to collaboration among governments, international agencies, and local actors. By working together, the region can build systems that not only respond to crises but also pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.

Building on its active engagement in these dialogues, ARDD, in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), has launched a specialized training program for humanitarian sector professionals. This initiative is designed to equip aid workers with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively incorporate social protection mechanisms into their efforts. The program aims to enhance the capabilities of humanitarian professionals, enabling them to better understand and implement social protection strategies. Additionally, it promotes closer collaboration between humanitarian organizations and national social protection systems, ensuring more cohesive and integrated responses to the region’s ongoing challenges.

By continuously investing capacity-building initiatives, ARDD is not only advocating for change but actively equipping humanitarian professionals with the tools to implement sustainable social protection strategies. This proactive approach highlights the potential for innovative partnerships and integrated solutions that bring about lasting change in the region, ensuring that aid efforts are both effective and enduring.