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In Lebanon, UN deputy chief explores first-hand, challenges facing children and persons with special needs — Global Issues


She added: “We want to make sure that street children are a thing of the past. That’s what we’re going to work on day in and day out.”

Acknowledging the unprecedented economic difficulties facing the Lebanese people and reiterating the United Nations’ commitment to assist Lebanon in meeting its growing needs, two key issues mentioned by Mrs. Mohammed during her two-day official visit to Lebanon grand opening Later Arab Forum for Sustainable Developmentorganized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (UNESCWA).

On the sidelines of the forum, Ms. Mohammed made two visits, one to a center for street children and the other to a community kitchen run by women with disabilities, to explore first-hand the challenges that two of them face. the most vulnerable groups face. in Lebanon as a result of layered crises that have left an estimated 80% of the population living in the country struggling with multidimensional povertyconsider aspects other than income, such as access to health, education, and public utilities.

Representing children’s rights

While at the UNICEF-supported Street Child Adoption Center in Beirut, the Deputy Secretary-General on Monday interacted with the children through an art activity where they expressed their aspirations for a future. brighter with pictures.

“Today I met kids who came here to study. They are children and they have dreams. Watching them draw and write what they should do in their day is quite unbelievable. But they are also very keen to help children see through their drawings and writings that they want to give back to their families and communities,” said Mohammed.

A ray of hope

The Drop-in Center provides psychosocial, medical, educational and social protection support to street children who enjoy easy and safe access to recreational activities and activities. play. It is being operated with the support of UNICEF and its partners Terres des Hommes Lausanne and Mouvement Social.

But like everything else in the country, the Beirut center cannot stay afloat without support.

Ms. Tamam Mroue, CEO of Mouvement Social, said that they are trying their best to provide all necessary services to meet the needs of children in the difficult situation that the country is going through, “But, we alone cannot meet the growing demand. Work must be done at the government and national policy levels to prevent disaster.”

Children are protected and cared for

“The crisis in Lebanon is affecting every aspect of children’s lives. Investing in the protection, development and well-being of children is essential to ensuring their rights are met under any circumstances. Lebanon cannot allow children to be malnourished, out of school, in poor health and at risk of abuse, violence and exploitation. Ettie Higgins, UNICEF Deputy Representative, said: “Children are an investment, the ultimate investment in the future of a country.

Connecting with other young people and playing in a safe environment are key to children’s development and well-being. About 1.8 million children are living in households most likely to resort to negative countermeasures such as child labor and child marriage.

Rasha, 15, and Hasan, 11, said: “We come here to play, meet friends and learn new things.

Against all odds

On Tuesdays at Access Kitchen, a UN-Women support community kitchen Founded by the Lebanese Federation of Physically Disabled Persons (LUPD), the Deputy Secretary-General interacted with the women and prepared meals with them.

“Amidst the suffering and complications of this country, this place is like an oasis, a little piece of paradise,” Ms. Mohammed said. “This is a place of hope, and we need to do more. The women who work here realize their worth and learn to become more confident, ambitious and hopeful.”

Silver coated

The women at Access Kitchen feel empowered and worthy. Nour Jammoul, 32, who is hemiplegic, has regained his confidence after working here. “Since I started working here, my life has changed. I restored hope and became financially independent, productive and responsible for myself. I really like this place and I’m happy to be here.”

It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of the Lebanese population has a disability – physical, sensory, cognitive or mental. In 2018, an estimated 61.4% of households in Lebanon had at least one member with a disability. However, discrimination against people with disabilities is still deep and widespread. Women and girls with disabilities face prejudice, stigma and discrimination on a daily basis while government protections are limited.

Access Kitchen is part of an effort to create employment opportunities for women with disabilities, the first of its kind in Lebanon. As of mid-January, the women of Access Kitchen have produced more than 16,950 meals that benefit 1,822 people in the community. Access Kitchen has been supported by UN Women, initially under a program in partnership with UNICEF.

“Behind the bravery of these women are stories of suffering and neglect by the Government. They wouldn’t be in this position if society cared; The government has fulfilled its responsibilities and the international community has solved the problem in places like Syria so that the refugees can return home,” Mohammed said.

For Rachel Dore-Weeks, UN Women Representative in Lebanon, the women and girls there, including those with disabilities, face a lot of discrimination. “This initiative is a way to remind women with disabilities of their self-worth, put them back into the economy, and demonstrate to the outside world that women with disabilities are an important part of their lives. community in Lebanon and can contribute to the economy.”

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