In a solidarity and field visit, the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, accompanied by the Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon, Arnout Pauwels, Chargé d’Affaires Pierre-Louis Renard, and a delegation from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited the Amel Social Medical Development Center in Ain El Remmaneh. They were received by the President of Amel Association International, Dr. Kamel Mohanna, and Board Member Dr. Zeina Mohanna, along with the organization’s staff.
Minister Prévot toured the various sections of the center, learning about the nature of the programs and services it provides, particularly in light of the difficult humanitarian conditions in Lebanon and the growing needs of the most vulnerable groups. The Ain El Remmaneh center is one of Amel’s key facilities, offering primary healthcare services, psychosocial support, as well as empowerment and awareness programs, based on a human-centered development approach that places human dignity at the core of its work.
This visit falls within a longstanding partnership between Amel Association and Belgium, grounded in the values of solidarity and the protection of human dignity. Cooperation continues through the implementation of Belgium-supported programs aimed at assisting the most vulnerable populations and strengthening the resilience of local communities in the face of successive crises.
During the visit, Dr. Kamel Mohanna emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating:
“What brings us together with our friends in Belgium is not only cooperation on projects or programs, but a shared vision rooted in belief in human dignity and the right of every person to live free from marginalization and exclusion. At this difficult moment for Lebanon, where crises are compounding and pressure on people is intensifying, the importance of such partnerships becomes even more evident. These are not limited to support, but stem from a deep ethical and humanitarian commitment to stand alongside communities.”
H
He added:
“At Amel, we have worked for more than four decades with people and among them. We believe that change begins at the grassroots, with individuals who must be partners, not merely beneficiaries. Our centers, including Ain El Remmaneh, are not just service delivery points, but spaces of dignity, solidarity, and rebuilding trust and hope, and shaping a social contract based on equality. We deeply value Belgium’s continued support for these programs, which enables us to stand by our communities and expand our work under these harsh conditions.”
Mohanna continued:
“Lebanon today is in urgent need of collective efforts and genuine partnerships between states, institutions, and local actors. Human dignity cannot be postponed or treated as a secondary priority. We see in this visit an important message of solidarity, reaffirming that humanitarian work must remain grounded in values and in the determination to defend human beings and their rights.”
During the visit, Dr. Zeina Mohanna presented the organization’s programs, alongside Health Coordinator Mohammad Al-Zayed, Center Manager Iman Dalloul, and other coordinators, who showcased Amel’s activities.
For his part, the Belgian Minister expressed his appreciation for the role played by Amel Association, commending its ongoing commitment to serving local communities. He reaffirmed his country’s support for efforts that enhance social cohesion and provide essential services to those most in need. He also called for a ceasefire, as his visit coincided with the day of the horrific massacre carried out by the Israeli army.
This visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to monitor the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and to support local initiatives that serve as a cornerstone in crisis response and in strengthening community resilience.
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license
