Strengthening Lebanon’s response to child sexual violence

Lebanon is taking a structured step toward reinforcing its child protection system, as the Ministry of Social Affairs, in partnership with UNICEF, has trained 100 specialized Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) caseworkers to better support children who have survived sexual violence.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to move from fragmented responses toward a coordinated, survivor-centered national system. At its core is the strengthening of case management services to ensure that children who disclose abuse receive safe, ethical, confidential, and sustained support.

A national effort to reform protection systems

In response to increasing reports of child sexual abuse, UNICEF worked with the Ministry of Social Affairs and national Child Protection and GBV working groups to adapt the global Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse (CCS) curriculum to Lebanon’s legal and procedural context. The training was aligned with national frameworks, including Law 422 on the protection of children at risk, mandatory reporting obligations, and existing judicial and social service procedures.

Over the course of 2025 and 2026, more than 100 caseworkers from 50 national and international organizations were trained under a harmonized approach focused on safe disclosure, ethical case management, risk assessment, psychological first aid, and coordinated referral systems. The goal is to ensure that child survivors are not left navigating complex systems alone but instead receive coherent and compassionate care that respects their rights and dignity.

The Ministry’s commitment

Minister of Social Affairs Haneen El Sayed framed the initiative as part of a broader national commitment to reinforcing child protection structures.

“The Ministry of Social Affairs is committed to advancing the development of its workforce capacities, strengthening protection mechanisms, and working in full coordination with the judiciary, security forces, and the health sector to ensure child-friendly justice and effective, sustainable protection. All this falls within the national legal frameworks, particularly Law No. 422, which serves as a key reference for the protection of children at risk,” she said.

She added, “Investing in building the capacities of the social service workforce is an investment in a safer and more just future. Every child we protect today builds a stronger society tomorrow.”

A long-term investment

The training of specialized case workers represents a strategic investment in frontline social services. Beyond immediate response, it signals a shift toward institutional reform   one that places children’s safety, dignity, and psychological well-being at the center of Lebanon’s protection system.