National Committee Launches Comprehensive Campaign to Combat Begging in Syria

In conjunction with the growing phenomenon of begging and its social and psychological effects, the committee addressing this phenomenon held its founding meeting on Sunday at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in Damascus, chaired by Minister Hind Qabwat and with the participation of representatives from the relevant ministries, in preparation for launching a comprehensive national campaign to limit it.

The campaign focuses on several axes including: attracting the target group, preparing protection and rehabilitation centers, case management services, psychological and health support, in addition to providing legal services and enhancing community integration.

The head of the committee, Bahjat Hajar, emphasized in a statement to the "SANA" agency the "importance of effective coordination between the relevant ministries to successfully implement the campaign," noting the "role of civil society in building comprehensive educational and media programs."

He also pointed out the "necessity of updating the legal framework for combating begging, establishing mechanisms for monitoring and follow-up, in addition to training staff on case management systems and non-violent communication."

For his part, Assistant Minister of Education Youssef Anan clarified that the ministry "is working on preparing educational and pedagogical programs to reintegrate begging children into schools and compensate for educational loss, along with programs to raise their self-awareness and enhance their self-confidence."

In turn, the advisor to the Minister of Local Administration, Ahmad Sandeh, stressed the "role of executive offices in the provinces to monitor and control cases of begging," confirming "enhancing cooperation with associations and international organizations to support care centers."

Director of Family Affairs at the Ministry of Awqaf, Muhammad Hadi Al-Sha'al, highlighted the "role of community awareness through places of worship," warning of the "dangers of giving money to beggars," and calling for "supporting rehabilitation programs and providing dignified livelihoods for affected groups."

It is noteworthy that this meeting comes after previous discussions by Minister Qabwat with the relevant parties last July, regarding the outlines of the national plan to combat begging.