This is a story told to me by Leila – The pseudonym of a 24-year old divorcee whom I met, during my investigation into one of Lebanon’s underground worlds: female prostitution.

Leila’s World

Leila’s world is usually avoided, ignored or rejected by the mainstream public, often perceiving it as a shameful, scandalous and sometimes illegal job. Yet, it is a world that is vibrant with the activities of many of the likes of Leila and her “clients”. In Leila’s world, there is a “market” of “clients” and “goods and services”. Tourists from around the region flock to this world, shaping its “supply and demand” for years, but also deepening its roots within society as an ‘evil’. We often choose not to speak of this world, but we all know that it exists. For the sake of public morality, we decide to compromise the truth. Yet the fact remains that female prostitution in Lebanon is a bitter truth that conceals within its many layers the reality of deprived families, abandoned women and neglected children. The glittering lights of nightclubs and the luxury of 5-star hotels may draw a festive picture on the cover of Leila’s story. However, the glitz and glamour of nightlife in Lebanon is nothing but a layer of thick painting on a very bitter social reality in which women, mothers, sisters, and daughters are the stars.

To the onlooker, Leila could appear just like any other normal woman going about her day, but the truth is that she lives a double life. She is a mother during the day and a prostitute during the night trying to make enough money to get herself and her daughter through another day. Indeed, this is the case with the likes of Leila, all of whom find themselves driven by different reasons to lead double or hidden lives. What do we know about this life? How does sleeping with total strangers for the sake of money feel? Is it a feeling of pleasure or disgust? Fulfillment or guilt? As recent research has shown, the woman usually finds herself in a routine, which she has gotten used and eventually numbed by. “I got used to my conditions; they became a part of my identity. I adapted, submitted and became very tolerant to the degradation that I experience” explains Leila, indifferently.

A Narrow Gateway

Seeking answers to many questions in that matter, I referred to “House of Hope”, Lebanon’s only non-governmental organization in the field of sexual exploitation and prostitution. According to well-researched statistics provided by this organization, out of the women who are benefiting from its services in 2007, 103 were subjected to physical violence 78 were victims of sexual harassment, 71 to rape, 29 to incest with ages ranging from 13 to 45 years.

Heba Abou Chakra, an experienced social worker who deals directly with the female victims, explains that due to the sensitivity of the matter, it is difficult to reach out to the victims. “They usually come to our center through the word-of-mouth, or we find them indirectly through the HIV cases which other medical centers detect” she says, explaining that many of the prostitute cases are related to sexually-transmitted diseases, drugs and incidents of domestic violence, which are all associated with prostitution. Each and every female victim needs great support, not just a shelter; According to Abou Chakra, “there is a need for medical, legal, psychological, physical and hygiene support”, adding that some prostitutes resort to the center with their children, who in turn need special kind of support, such as schooling. In one of the recent cases narrated by Abou Chakra, a female prostitute who was sent to prison while being pregnant lost her baby twice. “Frequent abortion is common among female prostitute prisoners” she explains, adding that some prostitutes accept to sleep with strangers “for a price as low as $10 or sometimes the price of a sandwich”. Sadly enough, the need that drives these ladies is often degrading.

Looking at the other side of the problem, there is Abou Karim, the pseudonym of a 45-year-old owner of a super night club north of Beirut. To him, prostitution is a thriving business that has high seasons and low seasons: “Clients in luxurious hotels request photo albums of the ladies I recruit. They make their choice and I deliver the goods. It’s a regular job” says Abou Karim, who inherited this “trade” from his father. The woman has no choice but to abide by Abou Karim’s orders, since he provides her with shelter, food and financial support. Most importantly, explains Abou Karim: “She should do whatever the client desires.  ”In the end,” he says “the client is always right”.

I was on my way to visit a long-time friend living in Ghazir, Mount Lebanon. Sitting in the back seat of an old Mercedes taxi cab, I was accompanied with 3 other passengers apparently heading towards the same destination. I was very excited to explore the area since it was my first time in that region of my beloved country. Yet, my excitement quickly turned into confusion and fear in the midst of the road, when a discussion about politics began among the passengers in the car.

“The Sunnis are pretty much pissed with how the Shiites kicked out their leader. I wonder if they will do their own May 7!” said the driver, after listening to the 8 p.m news on the radio that indicated the resignation of the Hariri-led government. “Well who cares. It’s a Sunni-Shiite problem. We are not in danger” replied the passenger sitting in the front, wearing a black leather jacket and puffing his cigarette smoke as he adds: “Let the Muslims fight for a while. They never did this country any good anyway!” The discussion proceeds and the passenger sitting next to me, apparently a young university student throws a startling statement: “But if they ever come close to us, we should be ready to hit back at whatever cost”.

It was such an uncomfortable setting for me. First, I am not used to this kind of discussion. Second, I am new to the area and was hoping for some hospitality by its residents. Last but not least, I am a Muslim myself. I felt as if I was confined in the middle of a self-defense plan of those who consider me their enemy. Looking out the window at the pine trees that surrounded our road, I wondered: “Am I wrong to be here? But wait – I’m still in my own country. My own beloved land” …yet the feeling of belongingness suddenly shook.
Few days later, I pass by a mini market in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The shop owner was following the news on the television when a speech by a Christian leader was being aired. It did not take him long to comment: “This man is an Israeli agent just like these Christian followers of him” he said. “See why we need the weapons? Look at these traitors!” he added, looking at his coworker sitting beside him, who nodded in agreement.

It may be a naïve question, but I kept questioning myself: Why are we treating each other like enemies? Fear, hatred and threats saturate many of our conversations. Haven’t we learned? Or better to ask: When will we learn?
These poisonous and inhumane discussions that we engage in as Lebanese are not only disturbing. They have dangerous consequences. What else but religious discrimination fueled the events of May 7, 2008 and the many other random clashes during that year and the years that followed? What else but this attitude of fear, rejection and hate.

Yet, what is sad, unfortunate and actually dangerous is that such poisonous conversations have echoes in the Lebanese society at large. It all culminated when I decided to apply for a new job.

Knowing that I definitely have the academic and professional qualifications, I had no worries.I was quickly asked for an interview with the first company I applied for. Upon arrival, I was received by 3 people whose elegant attire and welcoming smiles left me looking forward for the rest. As expected, the interview unfolded with questions raining on me from every direction. While most of the questions focused on my career and qualifications, there were some about my background, my interests and talents, my attitude towards teamwork and the ever so famous what-do-you-think-are-your-weak-points question. Fortunately, my responses were pretty much adequate, well-informed and straight to the point. Noticing the signs of astonishment and satisfaction on their faces, I was pleased to see that they were impressed with what I had to say. Their questions and my answers flowed smoothly and I was very certain that I satisfied the criteria they were looking for … until the staggering question that followed:

“Excuse us for the question, but what sect do you belong to?”

There was a pause.
Then silence.

I felt awkward, hoping that I misheard what I was just asked.

“Sorry–again?” I asked.

“Your religion –what religious sect do you follow?”

I was never comfortable talking publically about my religious faith. It is something I regard as utterly private and unnecessary in any conversation, particularly a job interview!

“Well … I’m a Muslim Sunni. Is there a problem?” I asked, expecting them to simply carry on.
To my surprise, they didn’t.

Once again, silence filled the room. But, the expressions of dissatisfaction on their faces were worth a million words they could have said to me, which triggered a wave of worries in my mind. Then, the main interviewer said:

“We’re afraid that yes…there is a small problem.”

I gulped. Speechless, I raised my eyebrows; I was at a loss for words and for thoughts and I needed an explanation. The main interviewer, taking a deep breath, went on to explain:

“You see, we divide some positions in our company according to religious sects. Unfortunately the position you are applying for is not for your religious sect…which means we are unable to accept you.”

Shocked, my eyes grew wider. I was in total disbelief. For a second, I thought that this must have been a trick question, or some interview trap to test my response.

Again, I was wrong.

“We’re very sorry” he continued, “– but this is our system, and it’s no different from the country itself, you know. But actually you could still apply to another … ”

At that moment, I stopped listening. My mind went completely blank and I only saw myself standing up, with full force and tension, heading towards the door.

“I’ll tell you what I know!” I said in a trembling voice. “… what I know is that I am neither interested in this position, nor in you, not even in the whole company anymore!”

I quickly ran to the exit, speeding with every step, turning my deaf ear to whatever they had to say. I was trembling, very mad and furious. One strong feeling persisted: the overwhelming feeling of being dehumanized.

For the first time in my life I was being narrowed down from an honor graduate, an accomplished, ambitious and determined individual to simply ….a “religious group”.

For the first time in my life, I was being judged for my religious faith, a personal conviction that had no implication on my professional performance on any job. All the qualifications that I had for so many years and worked hard to achieve, whether within academia or within the school of life …were diminished within seconds.

The drive back home was probably one of the hardest for me. I had so many questions and so much anger at this confessional system that runs Lebanon and I needed to get home as soon as possible to clear my head. I felt so degraded to the extent I started questioning myself:

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Probably I should not expect much of this brotherhood spirit to appear in a taxi cab or a mini market. But where did all disappear in that interview room? Is that what I get after years of hard work? Is this how the efforts and talents of many young men and women are appreciated in Lebanon? Then, why do they wonder why the youth of Lebanon are traveling abroad where they receive a fairer and equal treatment? Questions hurled through my mind but remained unanswered.

As Lebanese, the way we perceive each other matters the most. It affects the trust among us and therefore any opportunity of cooperation and solidarity. As citizens, we should all be guardians of human rights, not just our own rights, but the rights of those around us for the mere fact that we share the same value as human beings, regardless of the differences, which should be seen as a sign of rich diversity. Yet, engaging in these poisonous conversations threatens our ability to survive and move on as a nation.

From time to time, I recall the awkward moments where I heard the poisonous conversations that breaking up my country from within. The most appalling was in the job interview, where I felt that life was redefined, by those who do not know me, and for reasons that I never expected. Echoing the painful words in my mind, I try to bury them in the wastes of my black memories. Those were moments I shall not forget, as their painful thorns had distorted my blossoming hopes for the Lebanon that I dream of and violated my most basic of human rights.

Just last week, I took to the streets with my fellow friends raising the demand to abolish the discriminant sectarian system. As we marched under the heavy rain, I felt that the memories of my bitter experiences are being slowly washed away with every drop. Yet I know that there is a long way to go. Securing the dignity and value of human beings in a discriminant society will require long days of patience, determination and above all: the will power to start a change.

Lebanon is one of the most democratic countries in the Middle East, and the most liberal among all Arab countries. Yet, this democracy is plagued by sectarianism, which is a system of government that proportionally distributes political power based on religious and ethnic communities, called “sects”. Sectarianism is deeply rooted in the Lebanese political and legal system, and has become the dominant social, economic, and political reality. Many positions in the public institutions are assigned according to religious affiliation, which is an unfair situation that dehumanizes citizens making them nothing more than representatives of religious groups.

However, given the fact that I am an accomplished individual, and that I am intending to work in the private sector, where qualifications and achievements are the main criteria, I thought I shouldn’t worry about facing the discriminate sectarian system in the public sector.

Unfortunately, I was proven wrong.

It all started when I once applied for a job vacancy. I was confident that I am qualified for the position, and I was asked to attend an interview. In the interview room, I found myself surrounded by 3 interviewers, elegantly and formally dressed, with wide smiles on their faces.

As the interview began, questions started raining on me from every direction. Some were about my background and career; others were about my interests and talents. Some were tricky and asked about my weak points; others were informal and attempted to test my attitude and adaptation. But most of the questions revolved around my career and qualifications, which I was very proud of. Fortunately, I found no difficulty in giving every single question the right answer that it deserves. I could clearly see the signs of astonishment and satisfaction on the faces of the interviewers. I knew I was what they wanted, and I knew that I made a very good impression from the first few minutes… until the earthquake question suddenly came in out of the blue:
“Excuse us for the question, but to what sect do you belong?”

There was a pause.
Then silence.

I felt awkward, hoping that I misheard what I was just asked.

“Sorry–again?” I asked.
“Your religion – to what religious sect do you belong?”

I was never comfortable talking publically about my religious faith. It is something very private that is only between me and God. Not a part of my relationship with the people, and definitely not a discussion in a job interview.

Eventually, I told them to what religious sect I belonged to. Then I asked: “Is there a problem?” expecting them to simply carry on.

To my surprise, they didn’t.

Once again, silence filled the room. But this time, their facial expressions that showed a sense of dissatisfaction triggered a wave of worries in my mind. Then, the main interviewer said: “We’re afraid that yes…there is a small problem.”

I gulped. Speechless, I raised my eyebrows, indicating that I’m lost, and in need for an explanation. The main interviewer then took a deep breath and explained:
“You see, we divide some positions in our company according to religious sects. Unfortunately the position you are applying for is not for your religious sect…which means we cannot accept you.”

Shocked, my eyes grew wider. I was in total disbelief. For a second, I thought that what was being told to me was either a joke, or an interview trap to test my response.

Again, I was wrong.

“We’re very sorry” he continued, “– but this is our system, and it’s no different from the country itself, you know. But actually you could still apply to another … “

At that moment, I stopped listening. My mind went completely blank and I only saw myself standing up, with full force and tension, heading towards the door.

“I’ll tell you what I know!” I said in a trembling voice. “… what I know is that I am neither interested in this position, nor in you, not even in the whole company anymore!”

I quickly ran to the exit, speeding with every step, turning my deaf ear to whatever they had to say. I was trembling, mad and furious. And most of what I remember is one deep, strong feeling: the feeling of being dehumanized.
For the first time in my life I was being narrowed down from an honor graduate student, an accomplished, ambitious and determined individual …all the way to a “religious group”.

For the first time in my life, I was being judged for what I haven’t chosen. All the choices I’ve made, all the difficult decisions I’ve taken …all the dreams, hopes and aspirations that I had were all ignored…within seconds.

On my way home, warm tears began running down my cheeks. I felt I was stabbed in the heart, mistreated and thrown away. I felt so degraded to the extent I started questioning myself:

Is that what I get after years of hard work? Why were my choices ignored and instead substituted for the part of my identity which I never chose?

Questions hurled through my mind but remained unanswered.

From time to time, I recall what was said to me in that interview, echoing the painful words in my mind, trying to bury them in the wastes of my black memories. Those sharp words were painful thorns that distorted my blossoming hopes for getting the job of my dream. In that encounter, I felt my life was defined, by those who do not know me, and for reasons that I never expected.

Handicapped individuals are primarily human beings, and citizens of the Lebanese society. Accordingly, they do have duties and are entitled to a set of rights. Article 7 of the Lebanese constitution has outlined that the Lebanese citizens are equal under the authority of the law and should enjoy similar political and civic rights, acknowledge similar public responsibilities and duties with no discrimination. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Lebanon has signed and contributed in, clearly states in its Article 1: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and article 6: “Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.”

According to official estimates, 10% of the overall Lebanese population is handicapped, totaling to approximately 450,000 individual. However, although the Lebanese constitution does not deny the rights of the handicapped in the various realms of the social and political life, these rights remain far from being accessible by Lebanon’s handicapped citizens. Their lives are left in the hands and care of non-governmental organizations, charity associations some of them religiously and politically oriented.

2 – Law 220/2000

In the year 2000, and after almost a decade of hard work, the law 220/2000 for the “Rights of the Handicapped Individuals” has been passed by the Lebanese Parliament. The articles 68 until 82 of that law clearly outline the rights of the handicapped in employment, social welfare, labor orientation in both the private and public institutions.

For example, article 69 states: “The disability by itself is not considered an obstacle for any employment. Article 73 states: “3% of the positions in the public institutions are to be dedicated for handicapped individuals”. Other articles note the social welfare assistance and unemployment benefits which the handicapped individual is entitled to receive in various situations.

The law and all of its articles are based on the principles of human rights and equal opportunities to every citizen, regardless of gender, race or physical condition. The public institutions play a crucial role in implementing this law and its corresponding articles. The Ministry of Social Affairs is mainly responsible to facilitate and monitor the implementation process, making sure that the violations are minimal and held accountable for. The Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Finance are responsible for ensuring that the 3% employment opportunities are provided to the handicapped individuals, while imposing fines on the companies and institutions that do not comply. However, according to figures, only 7% of the currently employed handicapped individuals are in the public sector, while 93% of them are in the private sector.

3 – Member of Parliament Ghassan Mukheiber

The law 220 or handicapped rights was written by MP Ghassan Mukheiber, who was a lawyer in the year 2000 when the law was passed. According to MP Mukheiber, the law was a result of a joint effort between the civil society and the official authorities. “Several civil society organizations took part in preparing, lobbying and presenting ideas for the law over the years” says Mukheiber, who believes that policies should never be left to the politician alone, since the politician in Lebanon is “most of the time overwhelmed with pressing issues”.

The significance of this law, according to Mukheiber, is that the civil society itself was able to realize a comprehensive legal framework that aims to guarantee the rights of the handicapped. “As such,” explains Mukheiber, “this law is considered as a model for supporting the rights of the handicapped in the region. Another achievement which Mukheiber considers central in properly implementing the law is the creation of the National Committee for Handicapped Issues. This official committee, which is within the Ministry of Social Affairs, includes 14 civil servants and 4 handicapped individuals from different civil society organizations. Together, they join efforts to ensure the proper implementation of the different aspects of the law, in addition to enforcing it by designing systems to monitor and supervise its implementation.

However, the committee continues to face obstacles that hinder its work. “Some sections of the law require issuing decrees and complex bureaucratic and legal procedures” says Mukheiber. He further explains that paving ramps for wheelchairs within buildings, for example, requires modification of the construction laws. Moreover, providing the handicapped individuals with the 3% employment quota within the private sector requires close and constant monitoring and accountability procedures for the companies that do not abide by it. Such procedures, according to Mukheiber, are still not present and are not even welcomed by the private sector itself. “Beyond simple official support, the law needs a change in the mentality among the members of the society” explains Mukheiber, adding: “Just like there was a joint effort with the civil society to draft the law, it requires an even broader effort to implement it”.

When asked about the reasons behind the delay in drafting such an urgent law and why it has little or no official support, Mukheiber explains that the governments had and continue to have “other priorities”, in addition to the fact that the Member of Parliament in Lebanon lacks research support and is “often left alone” to deal with day-to-day issues. In comparison, Mukheiber says: “In the United States, for example, the congressmen are supported with a budget and team for research and development”, which is something every Member of Parliament in Lebanon needs, but currently lacks. Therefore, any proper implementation of this law requires both awareness on the social level and a more efficient system on the official level.

4- The Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union – Dr. Marwan El Bast

Dr. Marwan El Bast is an employee in the Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union, a non-governmental organization that has been working for years to improve the circumstances of the handicapped. Working in his office along with his fellow handicapped coworkers, he feels fortunate to have had this job, since he once applied for a similar administrative job in the National Social Security Fund, but was rejected because of his handicap.

In the past, the handicapped individual was perceived as a patient with a severe medical condition, treating him on the basis of sympathy and humane support. Today, the handicapped individual is being seen as a member of the civil society, with both rights and duties, in addition to having capabilities, skills and sometimes talents. The law took 10 years of continuous work. “However, not more than 10% of it is implemented”, according to Dr. Bast, who believes that the main problem lies in the lack of coordination among the official authorities. “You need the support of the Ministry of Education in providing appropriate academic programs, the support of the Ministry of Finance in financing and managing the fines, in addition to the Ministry of Social Affairs in being the catalyst for the whole process” he explains, adding the role of the Ministry of Public Works in constructing the suitable support systems in the public transportation.

Whether a breakthrough in the implementation of this law is possible or not, Dr. Bast cites important models for such an achievement. In the year 2007, the re-construction plan for the Nahr El Bared camp in North Lebanon included the contribution of the National Committee for the Rights of the Handicapped, which delegated an engineer who was able to include the appropriate modifications for the buildings and roads that would provide accessibility for wheelchair individuals. “This was an important achievement which proves that implementing important articles of this law is very possible” says Dr. Bast.

5- An Inaccessible Public Sphere

Touring around the cities in Lebanon, one might feel that the tension of traffic, rush hours and road works might be the most prominent hindrances on the road. However, for the handicapped individual, the Lebanese roads are paved with obstacles to access, mobility and necessary facilities for civic participation.

A series of studies conducted by the Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union, interesting facts were revealed. In one study executed in southern Lebanon by the, up to 80 buildings were examined, and not one of them was properly equipped to handle wheelchair individuals. As far as political participation is concerned, another study was conducted to examine the readiness of electoral centers in the capital Beirut. Out of 70 electoral centers in Beirut alone, only 2 satisfied the conditions that allow handicapped individuals, mainly those on the wheelchairs, to have access to. Here it should be noted, that the Lebanese Minister of Interior, Mr. Ziad Baroud, has recently announced a decree that calls for the installation of required equipment, ramps and other facilities for handicapped individuals in order to enable them to vote. However, proper application of this procedure will not be completed before the upcoming elections.

As far as public schools are concerned, studies by the LPHU show that there is almost no public school in Lebanon that supports handicapped students, with only a few private schools and universities that include facilities in their buildings for this regard. However, according to another study by the LPHU, the cost of equipping the schools for handicapped individuals is not more than 60 million dollars a year, which is only 0.8% of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ budget over 6 years.

6- The Lebanese Shadow Youth Government – Ayad Wakim

Sitting in his Annahar Building office, he is in constant movement. Moving between his computer, files, phone and meetings; Ayad Wakim’s dynamism is rich with energy and full of dedication. However, Ayad has been on a wheelchair for 20 years now. “I was wounded in the Lebanese civil war” he explains, adding that he has been constantly working for the past 5 years, once as a procurement manager for the NGO “Arc En Ciel”, another time as a teacher in the Kafaat Institute, in addition to being consultant in a management company.

Today, Ayad is the Secretary General of the Lebanese Shadow Youth Government ever since 2006. He handles delicate everyday responsibilities, such as dealing with the press, chairing the Youth Government meetings and acting as a catalyst for the government’s upcoming projects. Nevertheless, when Ayad applied for a position in public office, he was rejected due to his handicap. “I was not even allowed to do the exam, although I was examined by the medical committee and my situation was approved” he adds. However, according to Ayad, although the perception in the public institutions has not changed much, the situation is different in the civil society. “Several years ago, I used to be viewed as an alien from outer space, receiving strange looks from people in public” says Wakim, noting that people used to feel as if the handicap is contagious. “Today, the situation has changed” he adds, “the society has evolved, I am much more comfortable in the society, but not in the public institutions”.

Such an experience, once again, highlights the bitter reality in Lebanon where the public institutions continue to lag behind the civil society in guarding, enforcing and supporting the human rights of the citizenry, especially those of the marginalized entities of the society. It also proves that although they might be confined to their wheelchairs, handicapped citizens can be as dynamic, effective and an added-value to their community as non-handicapped individuals, and therefore should not be considered a burden, but given a chance to thrive and show their own potential.

7- Conversations with the Deaf

It was an exciting day for basketball lovers in Lebanon. An all-start game between two rival competitors is taking place in the evening. Cheering fans filled the corners of Beirut city; people where in their cars, coffee shops, restaurants or simply surrounding their television sets in their own homes, with the loud sounds of the game dominating their neighborhoods. However, one place remained silent. It was the home of Ahmad and his siblings, sitting in their room following every minute of the game with great excitement. Their expressions, however, were not like any other: waving chopping motions in the air, jumping, rapid sign language, moaning and other gestures. Expressions that were only understood by them, or those who share their handicap: they were deaf individuals.

The basketball game reaches an end. There is a valuable opportunity to speak to Ahmad. His eyes clearly shine with intelligence and excitement. Comfortable with himself, Ahmad is aware that his language might make many others surrounding him uncomfortable. “People would make fun of my gestures or the fact that I cannot pronounce words as they do” signs Ahmad, through an interpreter. “I can only feel comfortable sharing my day with those who are just like me, my siblings” he says, through the interpreter again, explaining that his handicap is genetic. “But it is not lethal” he adds, “and people should not be scared if I try to enjoy my time in a coffee shop, a library or doing simple daily activities”

Being misunderstood by many and lacking official support, Lebanon’s deaf individuals are often treated as outcasts. Facing budget constraints, lack of clear national strategies and efficient projects, the government continues to lag behind the civil society in providing the deaf population in Lebanon with the essential services for their needs. There are only a few non-governmental organizations that interact with the deaf, providing them with trainings, facilities and academic opportunities for them to move on properly in their lives. As far as the educational system is concerned, Ahmad and his siblings have found no place except a highly expensive special education program offered in one of the private schools. “My brothers and I were recently forced to quit this program because we could not afford it” explains Ahmad, through his interpreter, adding that they receive private tutoring for 2 hours each week by a volunteer teacher from an association for the handicapped. Moments later, Nada, their private tutor, enters the room, bringing with her a set of audio equipment and a notebook.

In her training, Nada uses a microphone, 3 SUVAG CT amplifiers and headphones in order to help her students “feel” the vibrations of the sounds as she speaks through the microphone. “They understand the sounds when they feel the vibrations enter their delicate skin inside their ears” Nada explains, as her students carefully explore the pieces of equipment that’s helping them discover more about the world around them. As she speaks, Ahmad watches her lips closely and does his utmost best to answer her questions.

Nada is a volunteer and the equipment she uses to communicate with Lebanon’s deaf individuals is provided through donations to her association. Such a privilege is not prevalent in every Lebanese city or even every Lebanese association for the handicapped, leaving many deaf individuals with everyday obstacles to explore the community which they live in. With the absence of government support and the limited assistance provided by the non-governmental organizations, the situation of Lebanon’s deaf does not see a light in the tunnel ahead, although that there is a comprehensive law outlining their rights that has been written, acknowledged and recognized ever since the year 2000.

8 – Official Sources

After exploring the perspectives of the civil society and the handicapped individuals themselves, it is important to question what official authorities have to say about the situation. Information from these sources uncovers a bitter reality in the public institutions that highlights the core of the problem. According to official sources that preferred to remain anonymous, the main obstacles that hinder the implementation of the law are fully in the public institutions. “It is a result of a bureaucratic system when efficiency is a crucial, and the absence of transparency when every detail is needed” says one official source from the Ministry of Social Affairs. Another source in the Ministry of Labor reveals that the government spent several months debating which ministry should benefit from the fines collected from the non-complying companies, and ended up not applying the legislation at all. In response to a question on why the articles of the law related to employment have yet to be implemented, one official source says that the vast majority of private companies are finding it both a burden and a financial expense to hire a handicapped individual, adding: “The civil society organizations should understand that applying any law cannot be done in a press of a button, but is a complex and time consuming process that requires joint official efforts that were never present”.

9- Concluding

Based on what was explored and discussed above, I believe the handicapped individuals are among the most in need, since they are among the weakest. Yet, they are often ignored or put far down in the government’s priority list.

The realities on the ground reveal continuous daily challenges and obstacles faced by the handicapped individuals themselves, in addition to a clear inefficiency and lack of coordination among public institutions in a highly bureaucratic system resulting in making it handicapped and unable to secure the rights of its most marginalized sections of the society. They also show that handicapped individuals can be productive, efficient and valuable hard workers whose talents and skills can be utilized for the interests of the community. In my opinion, these realities highlight the urgent need for a national and more efficient framework to coordinate the efforts among the public institutions on one hand, and between those institutions and the other sectors of the society on the other hand, including the media, which has a central role in spreading awareness for the handicapped issues. I believe that such efforts would have to include training opportunities, ensuring the rights of employment, political participation and accessibility to public infrastructure. Most importantly, such an outcome would require continuous research in order to further assess the facts and figures that reflect the reality on the ground, based on which joint national efforts should be planned.

In many countries around the world, handicapped citizens are being provided with various opportunities to contribute positively to their society, having their rights guarded and enforced by concerned public institutions, committed to the proper implementation of human rights, equally to every citizen. In Lebanon, however, the gap still remains between our increasingly demanding society and our plentiful, yet inaccessible corridors of our handicapped system.

References Used

Disability Monitor – Middle East. Lebanon Country Profile. Retrieved from www.disabilitymonitor-me.org/resources/Lebanon_Country_Profile.doc

Handicap International – Retrieved from http://www.handicap-international.org.uk/page_189.php

Libanon Project (2008). Project Lebanon Report. By Johanna von Heereman. Retrieved from www.libanonprojekt.de/englisch/Resources/ Project%20Lebanon%20report%202008.doc

The Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union. Disability in Lebanon. Retrieved from http://www.lphu.com/AN/index.asp?Id_Page=4

The Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union. Strategies. Retrieved from www.lphu.com/AN/doc/strategies/planning_document.doc

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html

In addition to interviews with the following individuals:

MP Ghassan Mukheiber – An interview

Dr. Marwan El Bast – Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union – An interview

Ahmad Itani – An interview

Ayad Wakim – Lebanese Youth Shadow Government – An interview

Sara

With great fear, she insists to keep her identity hidden.

I decide to call her Sara, and quote her saying the shocking statement: “I’ve been beaten up, forced to have unprotected sex, thrown out in the middle of the night without getting paid”.

Sara is just one of the many cases where a child is forced into prostitution in Lebanon because of financial needs. Sent by her parents to work as a house cleaner at the age of 12, the young child has been working as a sex trade for four years now, behind the walls. The walls of laws, dignity, respect and social justice that are expected to protect, but instead need protection themselves.

A Worldwide problem

Article will be completed later

Hollywood may no longer be the shining star

According to The journalist and author Pascal Zachary: “We are all Americans now, like it or not”. It is true that the spread of American media, including TV, film and music has been one of the main components behind perceiving globalization as mostly American. Blue jeans, sneakers, hamburgers and the Hollywood blockbuster are some of what is perceived as American cultural icons of our era. Additionally, all of the top 20 grossing films ever are American made or have an American influence, either through publishers, cast, or financiers. However, Hollywood may no longer be the shining movie star or have the lead position by itself. Nowadays, Hollywood is increasingly outsourcing production activities to Canada, India and other countries. In addition, European film productions are becoming progressively more global. What is more interesting, according to experts, is that with 50% of its revenue now coming from abroad, the American film industry sees the growing markets of Asia as its next great frontier.

Are Hollywood films truly American? Is Hollywood really dominating the global marketplace for movies?

The United States cinema has had a deep effect on films production across the world ever since the early 20th century. According to a recent survey by the Radio Times, American films are extremely popular around the world, knowing that The Simpsons, Lost and Desperate Housewives are among the most watched shows in the twenty countries surveyed. However, “Hollywood” is actually controlled by foreign film production companies. The major film studios are Fox Entertainment Group owned by News Corporation, Paramount Motion Pictures Group directed by Viacom and Sony Pictures Entertainment owned by Sony. Sony Pictures Entertainment is the television and film production and distribution unit of the Japanese media corporation Sony. After acquiring the American film and television production company Columbia Pictures Entertainment in 1989, Sony became in October 2002 the world’s leading film producer and distributor with 1.4$ billion in revenues and with 19.4% of the market place. Moreover, and surprisingly for many, Sony’s Special Effects and animation arm, Sony Pictures Imageworks (SPI) is expanding far beyond its Hollywood campus’ geography. SPI purchased 51% equity in Chennai India based effects and animation studio FrameFlow. FrameFlow, which is renamed Image works India, worked with Sony Picture Imageworks on special effects for many movies such as Click, Ghost Rider and Spider-Man 3. According to SPI executive vice president Jenny Fulle, “The level of professionalism and quality of work that we experienced in working with FrameFlow team was exemplary, and gave us the confidence to extend and establish a strong long term relationship”. Due to the ne partnership between SPI and Image works India, the technology of effects and animation are spreading around the globe and the American technology is extending to new countries.

In addition to that, Asia is the most likely candidate to compete with Hollywood for the lead. India and China boast together one-third of the world’s population and have successful and booming film and television industries. According to the media scholar Christina Klein, “the blockbuster “Kill Bill” films exemplify the increasingly global nature of Hollywood not solely because of director Quentin Tarantiono’s heavy incorporation of foreign stylistic elements”. “Kill Bill”, like many other Hollywood productions, relied heavily on offshore labor. Nowadays, Hollywood is facing “runaway productions”, which are films and TV shows shot almost entirely outside of the U.S.

Throughout the 1990s, Canada was Hollywood’s alternative shooting location since it offers to reduce a film’s budget up to 25%. Now, Canada confronts greater competition from other countries like China, Mexico, and Brazil presenting less-expensive working labor and developed facilities. In addition to moving the shooting scenes, Hollywood can’t be seen as “American”, since many of Hollywood’s audiences and actors and directors are actually foreign, and have been since the early 20th century. Hollywood is expanding its embrace to include performers from Hong Kong and Japan, scripts from South Korea, and production facilities in New Zealand and China. We can take the example of the “Hero” by Jet Li: this Oscar global film has a Chinese director, Hong Kong actors and Hollywood financing. Furthermore, more than half of the spectators for many of blockbusters are from outside the United States of America. According to a 1999 study commissioned by the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild, off shoring production has increased from 14 percent of total US film and television productions in 1990 to 27% in 1998.

Hollywood, which represents the triumph of American movie stars, also symbolizes the American cultural domination. However, many Hollywood blockbusters are considered filmed offshore since they were outsourced to benefit from cheap foreign worker, facilities, equipment and locations. Off shoring production activities, using overseas shooting scenes and employing foreign actors are changing the media landscapes in America and around the world. Perhaps we can now start talking about the “Hollywoodization” of Asia due to the strong ties between Asian and American film industries. Therefore, the popular belief that Hollywood is dominating the global marketplace for movies no longer stands still. It is time to reinvent Hollywood’s image.

you were a 1 year old child

clinging to dear life, helpless in a shelter

your sleep disturbed by an explosion and falling debris

the very building that was your shelter…

is now collapsing on top of you

You grasp for air in the darkness

under the bricks and strewn body parts

where you remain alive for hours

crying helplessly for help

but it never comes

Eventually you get tired and close your eyes

to surrended to the last sleep

No more pain…

No more cry…

It’s the end.

Imagine…

Imagine being forced to watch your country bleed…

but not being able to do anything about it

Imagine waiting desperately for days to hear from your family…

because they were sleeping under a table for 10 days…

fearing the raining bombs over their heads

Imagine you built your own home…happily…

To see it get crushed over your own family…

As it get hit…

As it burns…

As it breaks into pieces..

Imagine…

When you think for one second..

That you can finally live in peace..

You get butchered infront of the eyes of your own child…

And die slowly..as your hear him crying in your arms…

No need to imagine

It happened…In Lebanon

Proud to be Lebanese;
Nader Houella
Still Suriviving