Beirut:Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has introduced Lebanon's National Strategy for the Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030 at the Grand Serail. The initiative underscores the state's responsibility to ensure equal rights, accessibility, and inclusivity for all citizens.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the strategy received Cabinet approval on February 26. During the launch ceremony, Salam commended the persistent efforts of persons with disabilities and their advocacy groups, highlighting this strategy as a national obligation rather than a sector-specific effort.

Prime Minister Salam articulated that disability rights reflect the state's capacity to ensure equal opportunities for all. He described the strategy as a new social contract, urging public institutions to dismantle barriers to inclusion. Despite the existence of Law No. 220 of 2000, Salam noted that many of its provisions have not been executed, advocating for reforms in both legislation and institutions in line with Lebanon's adherence to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Salam also pointed out the significant impact of Lebanon's ongoing crises on persons with disabilities, citing challenges in accessing healthcare, education, transportation, and emergency services. He emphasized that inclusion is integral to the nation's recovery process and stressed that implementing the strategy is a collective responsibility of every ministry and public institution.

The Prime Minister called for enhanced legislative measures and the active involvement of disability organizations in the strategy's implementation, monitoring, and accountability processes. He concluded by asserting that the success of the strategy would be judged by the extent to which Lebanon's institutions, legislation, budgets, and public services are inherently designed to serve every citizen equally.