Disability in Lebanon

Mass Displacement and Civilian Toll Mount Amid Escalation:

“Others lose access to mobility aids, medication, rehabilitation, and support networks. Without targeted support, they risk being left behind, invisible and unprotected. Beyond immediate casualties and injuries, the destruction of infrastructure disrupts access to healthcare, electricity, water, and education, deepening vulnerabilities for those already at risk.” (Mar, Humanity & Inclusion)

Emergency cash support for children and persons with disabilities affected by the conflict. “One-off assistance will reach around 6,000 families enrolled in Lebanon’s National Disability Allowance”. (Mar, ILO)

Lebanon’s Displacement Crisis Leaves Disabled People Vulnerable. (Mar, Enmaeya)

ILO and partners take shock-response measures to support persons with disabilities 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.” (2024, ILO)

Disability Inclusion Survey Results (2023, Relief Web)

Social Protection

Lebanon scales up domestic financing for the National Disability Allowance:

“With US$ 10 million allocated in 2025 and technical support from the ILO and UNICEF, the programme now provides monthly income support to around 30,000 Lebanese persons with disabilities.” (2025, ILO)

The Ministry of Social Affairs Introduces a Social Protection Programme for People with Disabilities. “At least 20,000 individuals will benefit from a monthly allowance of US$40 each over an initial period of 12 months.” (2023, ILO)

Revisiting Inclusion: An Exploration of Refugee-Led Education for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Lebanon. (2024, Social Sciences)

Hard Lessons: An inquiry into children with disabilities’ exposure to protection risks in Lebanon and Northwest Syria. (2023, World Vision)

The Paper Plane animated video on inclusive education (In Arabic, with English subtitles, 2023, Walid Sarrouh)

Discrimination against people with disabilities in the labour market and organisations that isolate them from daily routine and customers. (In Arabic, 2025, The Independent)

National Strategy for the Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon (2026–2030):

“Notably, several signs of change have begun to emerge in the disability sector over the past three years, despite the bleak national context. The Ministry of Social Affairs has started to seriously explore funding opportunities to improve and modernize the disability card system, reassess and classify disabilities in Lebanon, while parliamentary committees and organizations of persons with disabilities have begun preparing legal drafts to amend and update national legislation and adopt new laws consistent with the Convention. United Nations agencies have also become increasingly engaged in disability-related initiatives and have provided support to stakeholders working in the disability field, particularly organizations of persons with disabilities.” (Feb, NHRC)