Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - Lebanon (Ratification: 2000)

The Committee notes the observations of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), communicated with the Government’s report. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on these observations.

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee refers to its previous comments and recalls that sections 73 and 74 of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 mandate that three per cent of jobs be reserved for persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors (for enterprises that employ more than 60 workers). It also recalls that a draft decree intended to implement section 74 of Act No. 220/2000 was forwarded to the Council of Ministers for promulgation. The Government indicates that Decision No. 96/1, dated 25 November 2021, pertains to businesses, occupations and crafts, and jobs that must be exclusively reserved for Lebanese nationals. This Decision contains provisions aimed at implementing Act. No. 220/2000 within the framework of respecting human rights, including the right to employment and the opportunity to utilize one’s talents and skills. In its observations, the CGTL indicates that Lebanese legislation and international Conventions contain numerous provisions requiring the Government to uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities. The CGTL adds, however, that section 74 of Act No. 220/2000 mandating employers to employ persons with disabilities has gone unimplemented, with neither hiring targets nor penalties for non-compliance effectively enforced. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a committee was established to implement the right to work, in accordance with Act No. 220/2000, and has proposed a draft decree on unemployment allowances and the activation of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector. Additionally, the Committee notes from the January 2020 data provided by the Government that out of the 59,951 persons with disabilities aged between 18 and 64 (holding an identification card from the Ministry of Social Affairs) 19.95 per cent are employed (with employment rates of 26.78 per cent for men and 7.28 per cent for women). It also notes from a 2023 ILO publication that formal employment for Lebanese persons with a disability is less likely than it is for those with no disability. Significantly more Lebanese persons with a disability were informally employed (63.8 per cent) compared to those with no disability (43.4 per cent). The Committee notes with concern that, despite the adoption of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000, more than two decades have passed without its full and effective implementation, particularly the enforcement of section 74 on the employment quota for persons with disabilities. The Committee recalls that such prolonged inaction constitutes a serious and continuing obstacle to the realization of the right of persons with disabilities to vocational rehabilitation and employment on an equal basis with others, as guaranteed under Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. It therefore urges the Government to take without further delay all necessary legislative, administrative, and practical measures to give full effect to Act No. 220/2000, including the promulgation of the implementation decree and the establishment of clear enforcement mechanisms and sanctions for non-compliance. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, comprehensive and up-to-date information on the concrete steps taken to operationalize the quota system, on measures to promote inclusion in the open labour market, and on the progress achieved in improving the employment rate of persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors.

The Committee is raising other issues in a request addressed directly to the Government.