Result achieved
Outcome summary
(1) In April 2023, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) in Lebanon officially launched a National Disability Allowance to provide direct income support to all persons with disabilities, beginning with youth aged 18-28 during the first roll-out with the...
Outcome achieved
(1) In April 2023, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) in Lebanon officially launched a National Disability Allowance to provide direct income support to all persons with disabilities, beginning with youth aged 18-28 during the first roll-out with the aim of facilitating their transition into high education and entry into the labour market. In September 2022 a high-level design note for a National Disability Allowance program was approved and signed by Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), and partners. This program was designed as part of a larger vision to establish core lifecycle social grants as a foundation for a Social Protection Floor in the Country.
(2) In November 2023, the Council of Ministers adopted the National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS), which aims establish components of a national social protection floor addressing a range of lifecycle risks. The NSPS proposes the introduction of a package of social grants, conversion of end-of-service indemnities to a mandatory pension system, expansion of social health protection, and diversification of financing source for social protection. Importantly, the strategy aims to move away from sectarian-based welfare systems to establish a more inclusive and equitable social protection system in Lebanon.
(3) In December 2023, Lebanon’s parliament passed a law reforming the End-of-Service Indemnity (EOSI) scheme and establishing a pension scheme for private sector workers at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The law also includes reforms to NSSF governance.
ILO's contribution to the outcome
(1) Through the EU funded project on ""Addressing life-cycle vulnerabilities through social protection – Establishing Social Grants in Lebanon”, the ILO provided extensive technical support towards the design of the National Disability Allowance. ILO facilitated dialogue amongst key stakeholders, including representative organizations of persons with disabilities. Several design workshops were organized and facilitated by ILO with MOSA and OPDs, leading to drafting of design elements of the program. ILO supported process of agreeing on policy choices, including with regards to coverage and prioritization criteria, by developing scenarios and approaches. ILO also supported in developing minimum standards on disability inclusion in the design and implementation of the program.
(2) The ILO supported the government in the development and revision process of the NSPS coordinated by MOSA, and in collaboration with UNICEF, including providing technical support and input, drafting, coordination and facilitation of dialogue sessions and meetings. Stakeholders included prime minister as chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), IMC ministers, experts in the different strategy pillars, workers and employers' organizations, civil society and interest groups representative organizations.
(3) The ILO provided technical assistance to the sub-parliamentary and mixed committees in revising the draft law, in collaboration with MOL, NSSF, employers, and workers organizations. The ILO supported social dialogue between partners, and conducted actuarial studies for the envisioned scheme, presenting findings to the parliamentary mixed committees. ILO advised on the design of the scheme, on the identification of a governance model for the investment fund, as well as on governance reforms to the NSSF and its board, which were included in the draft legislation. The ILO also provided support in legal drafting.
Gender equality & non-discrimination
Gender was mainstreamed across the full National Social Protection Strategy, in collaboration with UN Women. Specific policy initiatives were also included to ensure the envisioned system is gender-responsive. In addition, working on establishing a social protection floor in Lebanon through non-contributory schemes supports extension of key benefits to informal sector and those who have been excluded from the labour market, many of whom are women and persons with disabilities. The first social grant to be prioritized was the National Disability Allowance currently covering youth with disabilities, previously excluded from the national social protection system.
SDG
Goals
- End poverty in all its forms everywhere
- Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
In partnership
with UN Agencies, excluding IFIs