Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

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

1. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information provided by the Government in its first report on the application of the Convention as well as the additional information received in September 2004. It notes in particular that Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 provides for incentives and dissuasive measures to promote employment opportunities in the open labour market and that a percentage of jobs are reserved for persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Government states that, in a note of 12 August 2002, the Director-General of the Ministry of Labour invites the labour inspectors to ask employers to apply the provisions in the abovementioned Act. Noting the establishment in April 2004 of a committee to implement the rights of disabled persons at work, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the practical implementation of the measures provided for in Act No. 220 of 2000. Please also provide information on the manner in which the national policy is periodically reviewed, on the activities of the Committee on the Promotion of the Rights of Disabled Persons at Work and on the results of the measures taken to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the open labour market (Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention).

2. Article 4. Please provide information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

3. Article 7. The Committee notes the establishment of an ad hoc committee for the training of disabled persons pursuant to Ministerial Council Decision No. 20 of 15 January 2004. The Government also refers to Ministerial Council Decision No. 50 of 3 December 2004 approving a planned study of mechanisms which would allow all disabled persons to carry out a liberal profession or an independent work. Noting that the Government has requested assistance from the Office to set up such mechanisms, the Committee asks the Government to keep it informed on the progress made in this respect. Please also provide detailed information on the various services available in practice to secure, retain and advance persons with disabilities in employment.

4. Article 9. Please indicate any measures taken to put into practice the system of staff suitably qualified in vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons, as described in the report.