CMNT_TITLE

Lebanon

Workmen's Compensation (Accidents) Convention, 1925 (No. 17) (RATIFICATION: 1977)
Equality of Treatment (Accident Compensation) Convention, 1925 (No. 19) (RATIFICATION: 1977)

Previous comment

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on workmen’s compensation, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 17 (accidents) and 19 (equality of treatment) together.

The Committee notes the observations of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL) received on 10 August 2023. It requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government that the examination of the ratification of Part VI of the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) and of the Employment Injury Benefits Convention, 1964 [Schedule I amended in 1980] (No. 121) is currently on hold owing to the exceptional circumstances affecting the country.

Convention No. 17. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee takes due note of the information provided by the Government that a draft of the Labour Act was submitted to the Council of Ministers on 11 April 2022, containing, in its Part V of Chapter Two, provisions relating to accidents at work and occupational diseases. The Committee also notes that, according to section 143 of the draft, these provisions would be, after their adoption, in force until the implementation of the Occupational Accident and Occupational Disease Insurance Branch of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). While taking note of this information, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made: (i) in adopting the amendments to the Labour Act concerning compensation for work-related accidents; and (ii) in implementing the Occupational Accidents and Diseases branch of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The Committee hopes that the amendments to the Labour Act will bring national legislation into line with the provisions of the Convention.

Article 1(1) and (2) of Convention No. 19. Equality of treatment for survivors. The Committee notes the Government's information that section 157 of the new draft of the Labour Act will provide, if adopted, for the payment of compensation due in case of an accident at work to foreign workers and, in the event of death, to their dependants, even if they do not reside in Lebanon. In this context, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in adopting the amendments to the Labour Act with regard to equal treatment between national and non-national workers and their dependents, in particular as regards to payments made abroad of compensation due to injuries resulting from an accident at work.