Lebanese President Michel Aoun emphasized that Lebanon, which has suffered greatly from the repercussions of the Syrian refugee influx since 2011, needs international assistance to alleviate the significant financial burdens incurred from hosting Syrian refugees on various levels. He stressed the necessity of balancing this with a call for the return of these refugees to their homeland, especially after combat has largely ceased in many areas of Syria for some time. Aoun pointed out that the lack of international response to Lebanon's request raises suspicions that the refugee situation is being used for political goals, particularly in discussions about a political solution to the situation in Syria.
During his meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed yesterday, Aoun highlighted that Lebanon also requires developmental aid, not just humanitarian support, particularly for launching reconstruction efforts. He noted that achieving sustainable development goals necessitates investing in people, especially women and youth, and urged not to overlook the extent of suffering experienced by Lebanese citizens due to accumulated crises, which have been exacerbated by recent developments over the years.
For her part, Mohammed expressed the international community's and the UN's appreciation for the care provided to Syrian refugees in Lebanon, as well as the UN’s support for the Lebanese government in its negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and preparations for parliamentary elections.
Aoun also met with Sarah Mungar, the U.S. State Department's Special Advisor for Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea. Mungar, who is visiting Lebanon to assess the conditions of people with disabilities and the rights and opportunities available to them, emphasized the importance of integrating individuals with disabilities into their communities based on their value, role, and effectiveness, rather than just humanitarian considerations. She shared how she faced challenges with determination after losing her sight at the age of seven, supported by parents who viewed her disability as a strength rather than a weakness, encouraging her to be hopeful and ambitious.
Mungar stressed the significance of integrating individuals with disabilities into public schools rather than segregating them into special schools, advocating for the establishment and proliferation of inclusive schools throughout Lebanon. She recalled her participation in a workshop held at the presidential palace in Baabda years ago, sponsored by First Lady Nadia Al-Shami, where she shared her experiences to encourage individuals with disabilities to be active members of society rather than marginalized.
President Aoun welcomed Mungar upon her assuming her new position at the State Department, commending her accomplishments that qualified her for a high responsibility at the U.S. State Department, and thanked her personal efforts to support disability-related issues. He noted that Lebanon has made significant strides in caring for individuals with disabilities through the assistance provided to them, healthcare, and their integration into society to enable them to take on effective roles and remove barriers to their normal lives. Aoun added that the presidential palace has always been open to individuals with special needs, organizing a series of awareness programs to eliminate obstacles that hinder their lives, and emphasized the importance of integration. He mentioned that all necessary facilities are being provided to enable persons with disabilities to participate in the parliamentary elections on May 15th. President Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to enacting laws that protect and progressively develop the rights of individuals with disabilities to ensure continuous support for their conditions.
