The Lady of Lebanon statue - Harissa was lit up in blue on Tuesday night to mark the World Autism Awareness Day, under the patronage of Minister of State for Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth Violette Khairallah Safadi.

The Harissa lighting up ceremony was organized by the Autism Awareness Association Lebanon (AAA) to observe World Autism Awareness Day within the international yearly campaign "Light It UP Blue". 

The national awareness autism campaign was held this year under the motto of "I Love Someone With Autism." 

Attending the ceremony had been Minister Violette Safadi, the Representative of Foreign and Emigrants' Affairs Minister and his Advisor for People with Disabilities Joe Rahhal, as well as scores of concerned dignitaries.

In her delivered word, Minister Safadi pointed out "with love and hope we light up together the statue of Lady of Lebanon in blue," underlining the Lebanese state's commitment to integrate people with autism in society, give them an active role, and secure their full rights financially and morally.