No, Amel is not a charity. We work in partnership with the people, centering our programs around the dignity of each individual. We believe that terms like "beneficiaries," "assistance," "help," and "charity" imply pity and condescension. Amel is a movement led by the new generation, operating 15 programs across 32 centers, 8 mobile clinics, 2 educational mobile units, and 2 protection mobile units throughout Lebanon. Our mission is to empower people and equip them with knowledge and the tools for change through our comprehensive programs.

Amel is genuinely independent because we are not backed by any political parties, families, or religious denominations. We were established to change this status quo and build a society grounded in justice and rationality. Our independence is further demonstrated by the presence of our centers across Lebanon, which operate without regard to religious affiliation or political sensitivities. This autonomy allows Amel to have complete control over its work, with projects and funding free from external conditions. However, a consequence of this independence is that Amel isn't as well-known as an organization of its scale should be. This is because most Lebanese media institutions are affiliated with political parties, influential families, or religious sects, which limits our exposure.

Amel currently operates 30 projects across Lebanon, supported by both local and international partners. These projects span five key sectors: Health, Protection, Education, Food Security, and Livelihood. Implementation is carried out through our network of 32 centers and mobile units.

Thanks to the devotion of thousands of volunteers, Amel’s humanitarian mission has achieved local and global impact, becoming the organization it is today. As we continue striving to ensure dignity and basic human rights for all, volunteers enhance our impact and support us in fulfilling our mission. If you believe in the dignity and rights of all people and want to join our volunteer team, please read the criteria and apply.

Amel is open to everyone. We offer initiatives and opportunities for both novices and experienced humanitarian workers, ensuring there's something suitable for everyone. We provide assignments and responsibilities tailored to the skills and experience of our volunteers. Your background, education, or experience in humanitarian and social causes does not affect your chances of becoming a volunteer. As long as you believe in dignity and equality for all, you are welcome to join our team. Volunteering can boost your self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall life fulfillment. Doing good for others and the community provides a natural sense of achievement, pride, and identity. Additionally, volunteering allows you to explore different regions of Lebanon, meet new people, and develop a deeper understanding of social issues. By signing up as a volunteer, you commit to dedicating your time to Amel Association International for a specified period. As part of the team, we expect you to: • Defend humanitarian values • Be considerate, respectful, helpful, and collaborative • Maintain a positive attitude • Review and abide by our Code of Conduct To apply as a Volunteer, complete the application form available by clicking the Apply button. You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt immediately (check your spam folder if you can’t find it, as follow-up communications will be sent to the same place). Your application will be reviewed by our team as soon as possible. You will receive a response, whether selected or not, after this phase. We will stay in touch with you via email to explain the next steps.

Amel’s modes of action are: Ensuring basic human Rights through a dignified access to humanitarian programs, zero discrimination, “Do no harm” approach, raising awareness, supporting local communities, and promoting solidarity worldwide.

Positive Thinking and Permanent Optimism – التفكير الإيجابي والتفاؤل المستمر

45 Years: Defending Rights, Upholding Dignity

Amel is a non-governmental, non-sectarian association founded in 1979 by Dr. Kamel Mohanna and a group of doctors, journalists, and activists in response to the Lebanese civil war and Israeli aggression. For 45 years, Amel has empowered local communities and worked in Lebanon's most marginalized regions, including Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, and South Lebanon, especially during the country's hardest times. Today, Amel operates 32 centers, 6 mobile medical units, 2 mobile education units, and 2 protection units, supported by 1,500 dedicated workers and volunteers. Our programs encompass Health, Education, Protection, Livelihood, and Food Security. Amel's 15 programs aim to provide dignified access to basic human rights for all. Guided by our motto "Three Ps: Principle, Position, and Practice," we promote well-being, freedom of thought and expression, and a life of dignity for everyone.

Amel's establishment was an act of courage in times of despair in Lebanon. It was an effort to light a candle rather than submit to darkness. Driven by a commitment to build a better Lebanon and a better world, Amel has navigated through many historical phases. Each phase brought different needs and strategies but was united by the same unwavering commitment to human dignity and social justice. • Establishment Phase (1979 - 1990): During this period, Amel’s mission focused on saving lives and providing emergency services amidst the civil war, extending solidarity to all individuals regardless of affiliation. Simultaneously, Amel established development and empowerment programs for women and youth, campaigned for social peace, and worked towards ending the civil war while protecting social cohesion. • Development Phase (1990 – 2010): This era saw Amel’s expansion, enhancing empowerment programs to reach broader segments, regions, and specializations. The organization contributed to rural development at all levels and launched social initiatives to promote citizenship, advocate for a positive societal culture, and reinforce the role of civil society in supporting public policies. • International Growth (2010 – 2017): Amel gained international recognition for its advocacy of fair human causes on significant global platforms. Representing Lebanese civil society at international forums, Amel began expanding its global activities and partnerships under the slogan "Partners, Not Guardians." • Humanitarian Resistance Leadership Phase (current): Amel launched a global humanitarian solidarity movement, the Euro-Mediterranean Movement of Solidarity with Persons in Exile. It extended its expertise worldwide, establishing branches in Europe and the United States. This era is marked by Amel’s collaboration with partners in responding to the refugee crisis in Lebanon, culminating in its nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of these efforts.

Representation in International Organizations

Advisory member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Observer status with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Member of the Board of Directors of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) Member of the Board of Directors of G2H2 Core Humanitarian Standards

Amel’s Vision, Mission, and Objectives

Our Vision

Amel Association International envisions a world where human rights and dignity are universally ensured and protected, transcending religious, ethnic, national, economic, political, and ideological boundaries. Through our humanitarian efforts, we empower individuals to strengthen civil society and foster a peaceful and equitable social environment in Lebanon and globally. We reject the double standards imposed by the West on the Global South and advocate for fair wealth distribution both nationally and internationally. We advocate for the rights of oppressed peoples worldwide, with a particular focus on the Palestinian cause and other marginalized groups who lack fundamental human rights.

Our Mission

Amel's mission is to promote human dignity for all, ensure access to fundamental human rights, and build a society grounded in social justice and true citizenship. Our programs, delivered through our centers and mobile units, are designed to provide dignified access to basic human rights and address the most urgent needs of marginalized communities in Lebanon and beyond.

Objectives

Fighting for the People: Advocate for social, economic, civil, and cultural rights for the unprivileged in Lebanon and around the world.
Strengthening Civil Society Contribute to building a robust civil society to enhance national unity and promote democratic and just values.
Providing Quality Programs: Deliver high-quality programs, including healthcare, rural development, and capacity building, to the most marginalized areas of Lebanon and within Informal Tented Settlements (ITSs).
Championing Equality: Promote equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, fostering an inclusive and equitable society. Building a Civil State: Strive to build a civil state grounded in social justice and fairness for all.

Amel Values:

Justice / Non-discrimination / Respect/ Positivity / Inclusivity.
Empowering the principles of human rights, citizenship, democratic and social justice..

Amel’s philosophy:

Principles defining a position that we put into practice (3Ps).

Areas of expertise:

Heath, Protection, Education, Livelihood, Food Security.

Dignity

At Amel, our core mission is to uphold the dignity of every human being—the bedrock of all human rights. Dignity isn't just our goal; it's the driving force behind everything we do. It's a right that must be safeguarded under any circumstances, inherent in each individual's worth, not something society grants. To ignite this innate dignity in everyone, Amel empowers individuals through transformative programs, helping them take charge of their destinies, free from dependence. Anchored by six powerful pillars, our dedicated efforts at both local and global levels champion the truth that real humanitarian action starts with recognizing and protecting human dignity.

Amel International Movement:

Amel Association International is a global humanitarian movement with a physical presence in several countries. Below are the current offices and their purposes:

Amel Lebanon

Registered: 1979 Purpose: Providing comprehensive humanitarian aid and services Branches: 32 centers Action: Health, Education, Protection, Livelihood, Food Security Description: Amel Lebanon is a leading local humanitarian organization, actively shaping policies and driving sustainable development on the ground. It serves the most underprivileged communities through an extensive network of centers and mobile units, ensuring dignified access to basic human rights for all.

Amel France

Purpose: Advocacy and support for humanitarian causes Branches: 2 (Paris, Grenoble) Action: Advocacy campaigns, fundraising, and community engagement Description: Amel France works to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and needs of marginalized populations.

Amel USA

Registered: 2016 Purpose: Demonstrating support from the Global South to the North and establishing a model of mutual aid Branches: 1 Action: Community programs, awareness campaigns, and partnerships Description: Amel USA aims to showcase how support can flow from the Global South to the North, fostering a model of cooperation and solidarity. It also works on empowering youth, migrants, and refugees, and has recently launched a new health program to further support these communities. Contact Details: [Assaad Mohanna: [email protected] ]

Amel Switzerland

Registered: 2010 Purpose: Influencing UN decisions and advocating for humanitarian policies Branches: Geneva Action: Policy advocacy, international cooperation, and humanitarian initiatives Description: Amel Switzerland focuses on impacting United Nations decisions to promote global health and humanitarian efforts.

Amel Italy

Registered: 2023 Purpose: Addressing environmental issues, composting, and migration Branches: 1 Action: Environmental projects, migration support, and advocacy Description: Amel Italy is dedicated to environmental sustainability and supporting migrants, working on innovative projects and advocacy efforts. Contact Details: [Roberto Renino | [email protected] | +39 3339825924]

Amel Belgium

Registration: 2023 Purpose: Influencing EU decisions on humanitarian and social issues Branches: 1 Action: Policy advocacy and European partnerships Description: Amel Belgium aims to impact European Union policies and decisions, advocating for the rights and needs of vulnerable populations.

Representative of the People's Health Movement

Amel Association International was elected as the MENA regional representative of the People's Health Movement Steering Council during a regional meeting entitled "Health for All," co-organized in Beirut by Amel. The organization advocates for the right to health on a universal level, striving to build a unified healthcare model implemented by health actors. This model considers both preventive and curative aspects, paving the way towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the Local Primary Healthcare System Pilot (LPSP) being implemented. This aligns with the goal of adapting a sustainable health financing model by states. Amel has earned international recognition for its unwavering dedication to humanitarian efforts and steadfast support for just causes. As part of its strategy to bridge the gap between the Global South and North, Amel has strengthened its international presence over the last decade. This expansion aims to spread Amel’s innovative models and foster global solidarity and cooperation.

Amel at a glance

32 centers across Lebanon
6 offices in 5 countries
6 Medical Mobile Units
2 satellite Units
2 Educational Units
2 Protection Unit
1500 Workers & Volunteers

Amel’s 15 Programs at a glance:

Relief and Emergency Response: Established during the Israeli invasion, this program saves lives, trains volunteers, and maintains community resilience, especially during crises like COVID-19 and the Beirut explosion.
Support to Migrants: Initiated in 2011, this program addresses violations against domestic workers, offering psychosocial support, legal counsel, and advocacy efforts.
Combating Human Trafficking: Focuses on raising awareness and providing support to vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, affected by trafficking.
Youth leadership and volunteerism: Empowers youth to strengthen social peace and development through initiatives in Amel centers.
Support to Refugees: Reintroduced during the Syrian crisis, this program supports refugees and upholds their rights, earning a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
Primary Healthcare: Offers non-discriminatory healthcare access through centers, field hospitals, and mobile clinics, playing a significant role in Lebanon's healthcare sector.
Livelihood: Since 1980, this program develops skills and integrates communities, providing vital income sources, especially for youth and women.
Women Empowerment: Empowers women economically, offering training and awareness activities to enhance their labor market participation.
Older People: Respond to elderly marginalization, offering psychosocial support and raising community awareness about elderly care.
Amel House of Human Rights: Promotes human rights education, collaborating with partners and organizing annual summer schools.
Child Protection: Offers psychosocial support and activities for children, fostering healthy growth and creativity.
Education: Provides school support, literacy, and psychological support, using creative solutions like mobile units for broader access.
Food Security: Teaches skills for food security and distributes food, promoting sustainable agriculture and small business development.
Mental Health: Integrates mental health care into all programs, providing specialized support through facilities and mobile units.
Environment and Sustainable Agriculture: Advocates for a healthy environment, integrating sustainability into programs since 2022 to ensure social equality and development.

Founder: Dr. Kamel Mohanna:

Dr. Kamel Mohanna, the founding president of the Amel International Association, is one of the most prominent humanitarian leaders on the local and international levels. A pediatric specialist and professor at the Lebanese University, Dr. Mohanna is also the general coordinator of the Lebanese and Arab NGOs Network. His lifelong dedication to humanitarian causes has earned him Nobel Peace Prize nominations in 2019 and 2021, highlighting his relentless efforts to foster a culture of solidarity and social justice. Dr. Mohanna was born in Khiyam, South Lebanon, where he was confronted with the Israeli occupation at an early age. In the 1960s, he completed his medical studies in France and became a pediatrician. Before working in the Palestinian camps, he started humanitarian work with the Dhofar revolutionaries. During the 1970s, he participated in creating Najdeh Association. In 1979, he founded Amel Association International. Dr. Mohanna's journey began in the early sixties while studying in France, where he served as the General Secretary of the General Union of Lebanese Students. His commitment to humanitarian work took him to Dhofar, Oman, where he volunteered as a doctor, saving lives and upholding universal human values. During Lebanon's civil war, he was the last doctor in the Tal Al Zaatar and Naba'a refugee camps, demonstrating unparalleled courage and dedication. In 1979, Dr. Mohanna founded Amel, a non-sectarian civil association, to create a more inclusive and just society. Under his leadership, Amel has grown into a network of 32 centers across Lebanon, with mobile medical and educational units reaching the most underprivileged areas. His efforts have been instrumental in providing healthcare, education, and protection to thousands, including Syrian refugees, migrants, and impoverished Lebanese citizens. Dr. Mohanna's work extends beyond Lebanon. He has established Lebanese and Arab NGOs Networks to build a civil society advocating for human dignity and social justice. His advocacy has resonated internationally, influencing policy and promoting the rights of marginalized groups, including Palestinians and other oppressed communities. Through Amel, Dr. Mohanna has shown that humanitarian efforts can be a powerful force for social liberation. His leadership has ensured that Amel remains committed to empowering people and promoting peace and mutual respect. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, Amel's rapid and effective response has underscored its critical role in Lebanon's civil society. Dr. Kamel Mohanna's tireless work and unwavering commitment to humanitarianism make him an exemplary figure in the fight for a just and lasting peace. His vision and actions continue to inspire and pave the way for a better future for Lebanon and the world. Kamel Mohanna was made Commander of the Order of the Crown, Belgium’s highest royal distinction, in 2023. Kamel Mohanna received the French Legion d’Honneur in 2009. Kamel Mohanna received the Lebanese National Order of the Cedar in 1998.
Major Humanitarian Engagements Founding President, Amel Association International (1979 – today) Co-Founder, “3 L” Movement for Solidarity, Dignity and Humanity with Persons in Exile (within the framework of Amel’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize) General Coordinator, Lebanese NGOs Network (1990-today) General Coordinator, Arab NGOs (1990-today) NGOs Representative, Lebanon High Council for Health (1980-today.) NGOs Representative, Humanitarian Country Team (2013-today) NGO Representative, Regional Advisory Group for the MENA region, International Council of Voluntary Associations (2015 – today) Honorary President, Amel France (2015-today) Founder, Najdeh Association NGO Representative, Thematic Group on Conflict, World Humanitarian Summit (2015-2016) NGO Representative, London and Kuweit Pledging Conferences for Syria (2013-2014) 1 Expert, World Health Organization (1990-1995)
Civil Society Engagement Expert, Civil Society Group, Organisation International de la Francophonie (2017 – today.) Founding Member, Société d’Entraide des Membres de la Légion d’Honneur – Section Liban Board Member, Nudge Lebanon (2018 – today) President, General Union of Lebanese Students in France (1968-1970) Civil Society Representative, Conference for the Lebanese Dialogue, La Celle Saint-Cloud, France (2008)
Most Recent Publications Over-Use and instrumentalization of Civil Society Organizations: Amel, a Democratic Experience Promoting Citizenship and Nation-Building, (Dar Al Farabi, Beirut, 2023). Volunteering and Civil Society: AMEL Association International A Model, Translated from Arabic by: Rana Saïfi, (Dar Al Farabi, Beirut, 2023). The Epic Journey of Difficult choices, Biography of Dr Kamel Mohanna (interviews with Chawki Rafi), published in Arabic (Dar Al Farabi, Beirut, 2013), English (2016) and French (Harmattan, Le Point, Paris 2015) Mohanna, Kamel. Volunteering and Civil Society, Dar Al Farabi, 2014 Mohanna, Kamel; Hijazi, Mustapha. The role of civil society facing the challenges and the dangers met with the Lebanese families, 2013. Dignité, Humanité et Solidarité : L’approche citoyenne, universelle et sans discrimination d’Amel Association International avec toutes les personnes vulnérables affectées par les crises in Human & Health Review, 2017. Impact of the Syrian Crisis in Lebanon: civil society as a vector of change in A lternatives Humanitaires, 2017. Mohanna, Kamel. National and international NGOs: equal partners? in on the Road to Istanbul, Humanitarian Accountability Report, Published by CHS Alliance, Geneva, 2015. Rebuilding Health Post Conflict in Human & Health Review, 2016. Mohanna, Kamel ; Micheletti Pierre. “Aider le Liban qui aide la Syrie”, Liberation, Paris, 2013.