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1. In relation to its 2001 direct request, the Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in August 2005, including details on how the provisions of Chapter IV of the Labour Law for the Private Sector give effect to the Convention. It would appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

2. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that under section 21 of the Labour Law, employers are obliged to employ a quota of 2 per cent of people with disabilities in a workplace with 100 workers. It also notes that the Minister for Labour and Social Affairs may adopt an order under section 22 of the Labour Law prescribing certain designated posts or positions in the public sector for which rehabilitated persons with disabilities shall have priority. The Committee asks the Government to provide, in its next report, more practical indications on the manner in which these measures are implemented and periodically reviewed (Article 2 of the Convention).

3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the vocational rehabilitation measures that are made available to all categories of persons with disabilities and the manner in which employment opportunities for persons with disabilities are promoted in the open labour market (Article 3).

4. Consultation of the representative organizations of employers and workers. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Social Affairs coordinates with relevant civil society organizations providing for the rehabilitation and welfare of persons with disabilities. The Government also indicates that the Ministry is currently in the process of establishing an upper Committee for the welfare and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities presided by the Minister of Social Affairs and including representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations, in addition to relevant civil society institutions. The Committee asks the Government to describe the operation of the Committee for the welfare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities and indicate how organizations of employers and workers, as well as organizations of and for persons with disabilities are going to be involved in the formulating, implementing and reviewing of the national policy.

5. Services available for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates in its report that it provides centres so as to offer services for the welfare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities in all villages and cities of the country. The Committee further notes with interest the reports and publications on the centres and services. It asks the Government to continue to provide information on the various vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services intended to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment.

6. Suitably qualified staff to provide services for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates in its report that the Ministry of Social Affairs has requested the assistance of the ILO through its ILO Beirut Regional Office. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance provided by the ILO on the matters covered by the Convention.