This program aims to implement the pillars of the National Social Protection Strategy with a special focus on the rights and needs of people with disabilities, through a participatory approach led by the most representative organization of people with disabilities, and based on the outcomes and recommendations of national discussions and seminars on inclusive social protection.

Introduction to the LUPD

The LUPD is a leading and authoritative non-governmental organization in Lebanon, established to serve as the umbrella organization representing people with physical disabilities. The LUPD is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of this segment of society and advocating for their issues at the legislative, executive, and social levels, based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Since its founding, the LUPD has worked to advocate for universal accessibility, empower people with physical disabilities, and build partnerships with the public and international sectors as well as civil society. The LUPD is a key player in leading national efforts to enact and implement laws and policies that ensure full social and economic inclusion. Its main areas of work include:

• Advocacy and Legislative Lobbying: Working to review and enact legislation that guarantees the rights of people with disabilities, particularly regarding social protection, education, and employment
• Capacity Building and Training: Strengthening the capacities of members and people with disabilities to become advocates for their own rights.
• Networking and partnerships: Managing and coordinating joint efforts with donors, international organizations, and relevant ministries.
• Studies and research: Conducting surveys and reports to support advocacy work with accurate and reliable data.

In its vision, the Union emphasizes that social protection is a fundamental right that must be comprehensive, equitable, and inclusive of diversity, covering healthcare, social assistance, and training and employment opportunities.

Main Objectives of the Program

The program aims to translate national recommendations into concrete practical actions within the Union’s areas of work, namely:

1. Drafting the Implementation Plan

To actively contribute to the formulation of a phased national action plan (through 2030) for implementing the National Social Protection Strategy, while identifying development pathways and conducting necessary research.

2. Promoting Participation and Inclusion

To ensure the effective involvement of people with disabilities in the design, implementation, and monitoring of all programs and projects related to social protection.

3. Advocacy and Awareness

To raise awareness about the right of people with disabilities to comprehensive social protection, and to pressure government agencies and society to uphold this right.

4. Development of Systems and Services

To work on improving social assistance programs and the healthcare system so that they become more comprehensive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of people with disabilities.

Operational Components of the Program

The program will be implemented through four main components reflecting the practical measures:

1. Inclusive Protection System and Policies Component

This component involves leading networking and coordination efforts with international organizations to fully integrate the disability perspective into all their programs and policies. It focuses on launching a serious, ongoing dialogue with the formal sector (the Ministry of Social Affairs in particular) to grant organizations of persons with disabilities a key role in implementing the National Social Protection Strategy. The goal is to establish a constructive partnership with international organizations to exchange experiences and overcome challenges, and to ensure that organizations of persons with disabilities are consulted in the formulation of decisions.

2. Cash Assistance and Support Programs Component

This component involves conducting reviews and research reports (including drawing on the results of opinion surveys of beneficiaries of cash transfer programs) to assess the effectiveness of current social assistance systems. The focus is on working with official bodies to improve mechanisms for accessing cash and social support programs and ensuring their inclusivity and fairness for all people with disabilities. The goal is to transform social assistance programs into inclusive approaches that meet actual needs and ensure that every person with a disability receives the assistance they require.

3. Comprehensive Healthcare Component

This component involves organizing workshops and discussions with representatives of the health sector (Ministry of Public Health, Social Security, and health funds) to identify gaps in access to healthcare. It focuses on advocating for the implementation of universal health coverage, providing specialized care and inclusive services, and working to build a more equitable healthcare system. The goal is to bridge the gap between the right to healthcare and reality, and to ensure that people with disabilities have access to inclusive social health protection.

4. Advocacy and Capacity Building Component

This component involves designing and implementing advanced training programs for people with disabilities to become effective advocates for disability inclusion and their rights to social protection. The focus is on building the capacity of the LUPD’s members to prioritize advocacy work and develop effective partnerships with other organizations and official bodies. The goal is for members to gain a clear understanding of their needs and how to address them, to strengthen internal cooperation within the LUPD, and to solidify partnerships with international organizations to complement existing efforts.