Beirut:Lebanon's Ministry of Social Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), has launched a National Strategy for the Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon. Spanning from 2026 to 2030, this initiative aims to promote inclusion and equal participation for individuals with disabilities. The official ceremony took place at the Grand Serail in Beirut, under the patronage and in the presence of Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the Strategy represents Lebanon's commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and outlines a five-year plan encompassing reforms, policies, programs, and projects. It marks a significant shift from a welfare-based approach to a rights-based framework, emphasizing equality, citizenship, and active participation in public policy and social justice.
The launch event featured an interactive virtual reality experience to demonstrate the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing public spaces. This experience, in which the Prime Minister participated, underscored the necessity of adopting accessibility and universal design principles. The ceremony also included an interactive dialogue with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, focusing on barriers, priorities, and practical measures for implementing the Strategy. Ministers concluded the event by announcing commitments to the Strategy, recorded under the slogan "Together for an inclusive Lebanon."
Opening remarks at the ceremony were made by Prime Minister Salam, Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rania Al-Mashat, and UNFP Representative Anandita Philipose. Salam highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between paper rights and practical application, emphasizing partnership with persons with disabilities in the Strategy's development and implementation. Sayed reiterated that the Strategy is a state responsibility, aiming for a society where every citizen can learn, work, and participate fully.
The Strategy is structured around ten national pillars, including legislation, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and accessibility. It also outlines a roadmap for building an inclusive emergency management system that ensures dignified protection and assistance during emergencies. Governance and implementation strategies include a national coordination framework, monitoring mechanisms, and the active participation of persons with disabilities in all stages of planning and decision-making.