Beirut: Today, Lebanon observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing the theme ‘Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.’
ASAccording to National News Agency – Lebanon, the joint statement by UN Women, ESCWA, ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and the Government of Australia highlights that inclusive development, resilient recovery, and sustainable peace in Lebanon necessitate the full participation and equal rights of persons with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities, comprising an estimated 10-15 percent of Lebanon’s population, have played a crucial role in community resilience and social stability through various challenges. Despite their contributions, they continue to face barriers to accessing rights, services, and opportunities, resulting in significant social and economic disparities.
Lebanon’s commitment to disability inclusion is rooted in its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Law 220/2000. The Ministry of Social Affairs, in collaboration with ESCWA, UNFPA, organizations of persons with disabilities, and civil society, is advancing a National Strategy for the Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Disability to operationalize these commitments.
Several initiatives have been advanced to support disability inclusion. The National Disability Allowance provides direct income support to persons with disabilities, while the National Social Protection Strategy ensures their inclusion in social protection systems. Social Development Centers continue to offer essential disability-related services, and disability-inclusive programming promotes economic empowerment.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has developed a National Policy on Inclusive Education with support from UNICEF and the European Union. This policy aims to scale up inclusive education across Lebanon, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children.
Women and girls with disabilities face heightened discrimination risks, including gender-based violence and exclusion from health services. Addressing these challenges requires targeted action and inclusive policies that respect their rights and contributions.
Lebanon’s recovery and economic revitalization hinge on inclusive employment policies, accessible workplaces, and entrepreneurship support. Strengthening the collection and use of disability- and sex-disaggregated data is vital for accountability and progress monitoring.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Lebanon reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a just and inclusive society where every person can live with dignity and exercise their rights fully.