A Slovenian delegation, headed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, accompanied by ambassadors, consuls, and Slovenian officials, visited the Caritas Lebanon headquarters in Sin el Fil. The delegation was welcomed by Father Michel Abboud, president of Caritas Lebanon, and a number of officials. The two parties discussed the organization’s activities, the support it provides to the Lebanese people, and the Slovenian assistance it receives.
The visit began with a welcoming speech, followed by a documentary film that showed the help Caritas provided to displaced people during the recent war in various regions of Lebanon, covering basic needs, healthcare and shelter.
Father Abboud then gave a speech, thanking the Slovenian official and her delegation for their visit to Lebanon and the organization. “I understand that your visit includes meetings with political figures, but your presence here today is a live testimony to your humanitarian spirit and commitment to supporting those in need. Caritas Lebanon has served for 52 years, and today we operate about 90 centers across the country, providing social, medical, protection, and educational services. During your visit to the shelter, you witnessed firsthand the suffering of those left alone. Our message, our calling, is to stand by them. Caritas is here, and it will always be here.”
He added, “Our message goes beyond numbers and budgets. Our message is to listen to the voiceless, to see the invisible, the marginalized, and to welcome those who suffer in silence.”
He continued, “In recent years, Lebanon’s economic crisis has reshaped the reality. Many who used to donate to us are now among those asking for our help. We once waited for their contributions, and today we see tears in their eyes as they say: ‘Our lives have changed,’ but despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission. We continue to support those in need, whether through our daily work or in times of crisis.”
He said: “Lebanon’s history, as well as the history of the Middle East, is filled with conflicts. Our generation has known only living amidst wars. Peace is an unfamiliar reality to us. However, we continue to plant hope. In Lebanon, when we say ‘See you tomorrow,’ it carries a deep meaning. Planning for next week or next month is uncertain, and we often say: ‘May God keep us alive.'”
He concluded, “We are grateful for your support. We thank the Slovenian government, Caritas Slovenia, and thank you for your ongoing partnership. On behalf of the board, we express our deepest gratitude. We need you. It’s a powerful statement, and we repeat it because it reflects the essence of our message: Caritas is the bridge between generosity and need, between the giver and the receiver. Thank you for standing with us.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, also delivered a speech expressing her gratitude for the warm hospitality in Lebanon. She said, “It is truly an honor to be your guest at Caritas and to witness firsthand the wonderful work you are doing. I am deeply grateful for the generous support you have given us over the past two days, which has been essential both logistically and humanely.”
She added, “Our long friendship and close ties remind us that we are connected by more than just geography. We are united by a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and the well-being of our communities. My message today and tomorrow is clear: We stand firmly with the people of Lebanon. In a region where peace is not always taken for granted, we hope to witness the dawn of a new era characterized by mutual support, economic progress, and renewed hope. This commitment was clearly embodied during our visit to Caritas shelter for women and children who suffered from the horrors of violence. It is painful to witness their suffering, but at the same time, it is incredibly encouraging to see the safety, care, and inner peace they are beginning to regain.”
As someone who has spent much of her career working on human rights issues and with vulnerable groups, Fajon said, “I deeply appreciate the indispensable role of organizations like Caritas, especially here in Lebanon, where the ongoing instability in the Middle East reminds us of the fragility of peace.”
She continued, “I am extremely proud to be part of this collaborative effort, which includes our valuable partnership with Caritas Slovenia and the continued support from the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. As Deputy Prime Minister, I reaffirm my commitment to continuing our joint efforts and supporting projects that make a real difference in the lives of those in need. Our shared values of solidarity and humanitarian commitment guide us, and together, we can build a future that reflects these principles.”
She concluded: “I would like to thank you once again for your dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to our common mission. Your work is difficult, but invaluable, and it is inspiring to see the success stories that emerge from your efforts. Let us continue working together, strengthening our partnerships, and bringing light, peace, and hope to all those in need. Let our shared values of solidarity and humanitarian commitment be our guide forward. I wish you continued success and courage in everything you do.”
At the end of the meeting, a dinner was held in honor of the delegation.
The Slovenian delegation had visited a shelter for survivors of gender-based violence, which houses 45 individuals and is partially funded by the Government of Slovenia.