In partnership with Lebanon's Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), the ILO and UNICEF have initiated immediate shock-response measures to provide support to more than 27,000 persons with disabilities aged 15-30 in Lebanon.
The initiative is working through the National Disability Allowance (NDA) framework, currently supported by the EU and the Netherlands, to address the humanitarian needs generated by the continued conflict in the country, which has affected tens of thousands of persons with disabilities. In addition to advancing the disbursement of regular monthly payments to all NDA beneficiaries, a US$100 emergency one-off payment has been provided to each of the 5,000 existing beneficiaries from affected areas in Lebanon.
The ILO estimates that at least 30,000 persons with disabilities have been affected by the crisis so far and are in need of urgent support.
"The ILO is committed to providing assistance to enable continued service delivery for persons with disabilities in Lebanon and to supporting the Ministry of Social Affairs in identifying and assessing needs," said ILO Regional Director for Arab States, Ruba Jaradat at a press conference held to announce the initiative, where she was joined by Lebanon's Minister of Social Affairs, Hector Hajjar, and UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder.
"With its partners, the ILO aims to expand emergency assistance to all persons with disabilities who have been severely affected and commits to providing support to those who are not currently enrolled in the NDA. This will include identification of affected and displaced persons with disabilities through the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Disaster Risk Management Unit at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers," Jaradat added.
The emergency expansion of assistance to persons with disabilities from other age groups and nationalities will be rolled out gradually, as resources become available. The full response will be subject to securing resources totalling US$6 million. Efforts are continuing to secure the remaining funds from international development partners.
The initiative is the first emergency response measure the ILO has launched as part of its Emergency Response Plan to mitigate the impact of the crisis in Lebanon on residents. The Plan will see the ILO working to advance social protection and create decent and economically sustainable work opportunities, in collaboration with national authorities and other partners, including other UN agencies. The ILO's response is intended to complement humanitarian relief work and prepare for sustainable recovery.
