The closing chapter of the Ministry of the Displaced?

Since assuming office last year, the government has made numerous promises, some of which have been realized, while others remain pending for various reasons. Among the recurring pledges is the proposed closure of the Ministry of the Displaced; a government body established in 1993 to manage issues related to people displaced during the Lebanese War (1975-1990). This raises questions about the future of the ministry and the resolution of its remaining responsibilities.

Legal pathways toward closure and unresolved compensation claims

Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Shehadeh, revealed exclusively to The Beiruter that the ministry’s closure will follow legal procedures once all legitimate compensation claims are addressed. He explained that the government will present a draft law to the Council of Ministers outlining the closure plan, including a detailed report on the remaining claims and a proposal to adjust compensation and assistance amounts to align with previously settled cases. Shehadeh expressed hope that this would mark the last time Lebanon’s government maintains a dedicated Ministry of the Displaced.

The last remaining displacement files and the funding dilemma

According to Shehadeh, the ministry has largely completed its mission, handling roughly 90% of its cases. The most significant unresolved issues remain in the towns of Kfarselwan (Metn district), Hailan (Zgharta district) and Hawara (North Lebanon). Addressing these cases will require financial resources, yet no budget has been allocated to the ministry in national budgets since 2017, complicating the closure process. Shehadeh asserted to The Beiruter that around 20 billion Lebanese pounds remain in the Displaced Fund, an amount rendered largely insignificant by the severe depreciation of the national currency.

What happens to ministry employees after closure?

The potential shutdown of the ministry has raised concerns about the fate of its employees. Shehadeh confirmed that many staff members will be reassigned to other public administrations based on institutional needs. Additionally, a training program in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is being prepared for approximately 120 employees from the ministry and its central fund. This initiative aims to equip them with skills necessary to integrate into other government departments effectively.

A 3-decade legacy and the challenge of turning the page

Ultimately, the closure of the Ministry of the Displaced hinges on resolving the outstanding cases, securing the required budget to complete compensation claims and obtaining approval from the Council of Ministers. Until these conditions are met, the ministry will continue to operate, and its employees’ transition to other government sectors remains contingent on official planning and training. Minister Shehadeh’s plan signals a significant administrative shift, aiming to streamline government functions and close a chapter on a ministry that has served post-war Lebanon for 3 decades, provided that legal and financial prerequisites are fulfilled.