Back to Contents Particularly vulnerable groups 6.7. Is there evidence that certain groups of stateless Palestinians have more difficulties accessing healthcare than others? In its Protection Monitoring Report for the 1st quarter of the year 2022, UNRWA reported that: “The general shortage of medicine stocks in Lebanon and high prices for medication continued to have a particularly pronounced impact on those with special medical needs, including those with serious illnesses or conditions, and older people. Some focal points noted the particular challenges that children with disabilities faced in accessing transportation.” (Source: UNRWA, “UNRWA Protection Monitoring Report – Quarter 1 (Q1) 2022”, 1 July 2022, p. 4) In a public letter to the UNHCR published by UNRWA in June 2021, the relief agency stated that: “The cost of assistive devices, specialized educations institutions, and therapeutic services is also extremely high in Lebanon. This creates significant barriers for children with severe disabilities in terms of participation in society, access to services and maintaining independence in daily life. In general, Palestine refugees have extremely limited access to such assistive devices due to this high cost, and many are entirely dependent on UNRWA and partners to fill the gaps in those needs. While UNRWA aims at the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all its core services, many persons with disabilities still face considerable obstacles given the limited specialized services available, their high cost, and limited funding made available to UNRWA.” (Source: UNRWA, “Letter from UNRWA to UNHCR in the case of NB and AB v. SSHD before the Court of Justice of the European Union (Case C-349/20).”, 21 June 2021, p. 6) 6. Access to health care 70