"When I go out, I feel different. I am the only one with Downs Syndrome. We do not see a lot of people with disabilities and that speaks volumes about the problems we face. It feels like I can make a difference here in Lebanon." — Mia Farah

Fadia and Mia Farah live some 30 minutes outside of Beirut, in a quiet area surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees. There is even a sea view. Mia who has Downs Syndrome, is a strong advocate for the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities, with her mother, Fadia, acting as her support person. Fadia is also the President of the Lebanese Self Advocacy Association, or LASA, through which Mia and Fadia advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, not only in Lebanon but all over the world.

"After we [the Lebanese Self-Advocacy Association] started to work with refugees, we saw that the issue was serious and recurring. That is why we took an interest in learning more about how to stop the violence and provide help to these women and girls. Obviously, we are not doing enough, but I am glad we have projects like this to shed a light on the issue." — Fadia Farah

In June 2017, Mia was chosen as the civil society representative to speak at the opening session of the 10th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York. Mia’s speech, in which she spoke with emotion about the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities to vote in elections as well as her work with refugees with disabilities, triggered a standing ovation.

Strengthening Disability Inclusion in Child Protection and GBV Programs in Lebanon