A delegation from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) visited a number of Al-Mabarrat charitable and social institutions in South Lebanon. It comprised Lieutenant Colonel Andrea Fazio, head of UNIFIL's military civil-society engagement unit, and Major Margaret Mitselat, military adviser to the gender and child protection unit.
The visit covered Dar Al Aman for the Elderly and the Lady Al-Zahra Center in the town of Abbassieh, and Imam Ali Charity and School in the town of Ma'roub, as well as the relations and sponsorship office in the city of Tyre.
During the tour, the delegation affirmed UNIFIL's commitment to strengthening ties, cooperation and continuous coordination with Al-Mabarrat's institutions in humanitarian and social fields, complementing the social role UNIFIL plays, particularly the Italian battalion, across the regions of South Lebanon.
The delegation heard a detailed account from the institutions' administrations of the humanitarian role Al-Mabarrat Charitable Association plays in serving Lebanese society.
The difficult challenges the institutions face as a result of current circumstances were also addressed, including the repercussions of the Israeli war on Lebanon.
For their part, the directors of Al-Mabarrat's institutions gave a full account of the Association's humanitarian mission and its pivotal role in achieving empowerment and community development.
Both sides affirmed the importance of continuing such visits and exchanging expertise, as well as exploring ways of contributing the resources needed to support charitable social work institutions, particularly in the southern areas, which face compounded challenges.
