RAMALLAH, July 10, 2026 (WAFA) – The Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution (PNEEI) announced on Friday that an independent external review of the Unified National Protection and Care Program found its procedures, governance framework and eligibility mechanisms to be consistent with the legal and regulatory framework governing the program.

This review was undertaken as part of the Institution’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of integrity and reliability in the management of the Unified National Protection and Care Program, and to verifying the soundness of the procedures and systems associated with the transfer of responsibility for managing the Program to the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution, in accordance with the approved legal and regulatory frameworks.

This review was conducted pursuant to the provisions of Decision by Law No. (4) of 2025 concerning the regulation of the Unified National Protection and Care Programs and the strengthening of the social protection system. The findings of the independent review performed by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) confirmed that the procedures, systems, and standards adopted within the Program are consistent with the provisions, requirements, and objectives stipulated in the Decision by Law, thereby reinforcing the principles of transparency, equitable targeting, sound management of public resources, and ensuring that assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries in accordance with professional, objective, and clearly defined criteria.

The review covered a comprehensive assessment of the Program’s framework, including the technical infrastructure of the system, data transfer integrity, eligibility assessment mechanisms, assistance calculation methodology, payment procedures, and related financial and administrative controls, in addition to reviewing the institutional separation between the Unified National Protection and Care Program and other programs of a different nature.

Key Findings of the Independent Review

The report issued by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) highlighted several significant positive findings that demonstrate the soundness of the procedures implemented and strengthen confidence in the Unified National Protection and Care Program. The key findings include:

First: Integrity and Completeness of Data Transfer

The review confirmed the successful transfer and reconciliation of beneficiary household and individual data from the Ministry of Social Development environment to the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution environment. No material discrepancies or inconsistencies were identified in the household and individual records reviewed.

Second: Independence and Fairness of Eligibility Criteria

The report confirmed that eligibility under the Unified National Protection and Care Program is determined exclusively through poverty indicators and social and geographic criteria, based on the Proxy Means Test Formula (PMTF). The assessment process is founded on objective and evidence-based criteria that reflect the economic and social needs of households.

The report also confirmed that none of the variables included in the PMTF scoring calculations or assistance amount calculations are associated with martyrs, detainees, prisoners, or injured persons, and that eligibility determination is based solely on approved poverty-related criteria.

Third: Integrity of the Unified National Protection and Care Program System

The review demonstrated that the Program’s database does not contain fields or indicators designed to classify beneficiaries based on any considerations outside the approved poverty criteria. The system design ensures the application of consistent and transparent standards for beneficiary identification.

Fourth: Accuracy of Assistance Calculation and Disbursement

Based on the samples reviewed, the assessment confirmed that cash assistance amounts were calculated in accordance with approved formulas and matched the payment files transferred to financial institutions and service providers responsible for disbursement.

The review also verified reconciliation procedures between payment files, accounting data, and relevant financial records.

Fifth: Strengthening Institutional Separation and Governance

The report confirmed the existence of a clear separation between the Unified National Protection and Care Program managed by the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution and previous systems related to other types of allowances, thereby enhancing clarity of roles and responsibilities and reinforcing governance and transparency principles.

Sixth: No Indicators of Fraud, Manipulation, or Material Errors

The review confirmed that no indicators of fraud, manipulation, or material errors were identified within the Unified National Protection and Care Program system or within the eligibility assessment and payment procedures reviewed.

Continued Commitment to Development and Strengthening Public Confidence

The Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution considered the findings of this independent review an important milestone in the continued development of the social protection system and in enhancing the efficiency of support program management. The Institution also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the development recommendations outlined in the report, including:

• Developing electronic connectivity systems and information exchange mechanisms with relevant government entities.
• Enhancing automated data synchronization and reducing reliance on manual procedures.
• Developing the risk management and internal control framework for the Unified National Protection and Care Program.
• Strengthening independent monitoring procedures and continuous documentation of all stages of payment operations.

The Institution emphasized that the Unified National Protection and Care Program represents a fundamental national instrument for supporting the most vulnerable Palestinian households, and that its development is based on the principles of fairness, transparency, and efficiency, ensuring that assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries according to professional and objective standards.

The Institution also extended its appreciation to all national entities and partners who contributed to the successful completion of the review and recognizes the professional role played by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) in conducting a comprehensive independent review in accordance with international standards and practices.

The Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution reaffirmd its continued commitment to strengthening integrity and accountability, enhancing public confidence, and advancing the economic empowerment and social protection framework in support of national development objectives.

M.N