Beirut, 24 February 2026 – On Social Workers Day, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and UNICEF marked the graduation of 100 trained Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) caseworkers in Beirut. The ceremony recognized a national effort to strengthen case management services for child survivors of sexual violence across Lebanon.
In response to rising reports of child sexual abuse, UNICEF, in partnership with MoSA and the Child Protection and GBV Working Groups, contextualized the global Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse (CCS) curriculum to Lebanon’s laws, including Law 422, mandatory reporting, and national procedures.
Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen El Sayed, said: “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 of 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 added, expressing her appreciation: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the trainers and experts who worked with dedication, to the partners who supported this programme, and to the Ministry’s team who accompanied this process from its inception to today. 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.”
Dr Randa Hamadeh, Head of Primary Health care Department said: “The Ministry of Public health is proud to have contributed to this initiative, and remains committed to strengthening Clinical Management of Rape services across our Primary Health Care network, enhancing coordination with social workers, and ensuring that national standards are consistently implemented throughout the country”. “ Health services must not only treat physical consequences but also uphold psychological well-being, safety, and respect” She added.
Over 100 caseworkers from 50 CP/ GBV national and international case management organization were trained in 2025–2026 by UNICEF , MoSA, Himaya, The International Rescue Committee (IRC) , ABAAD, Save the Children International (SCI) , Terre Des Hommes Lausanne (TDH-L) and INTERSOS on a harmonized, survivor-centered approach, equipping them with skills in safe disclosure, ethical case management, risk assessment, psychological first aid, and referral pathways, ensuring children receive timely, high-quality, compassionate care.
Mr. Frank Mollen, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon said: “The Netherlands has been a strong supporter of child protection in Lebanon, with a focus on vulnerable groups, including street-connected children. This investment in the social service workforce reflects a broader shift toward strengthening national systems and institutions, it demonstrates that with national leadership, technical expertise, and coordinated partnerships, meaningful system reform is possible, even in challenging contexts.”
“Children are meant to be safe, to laugh, to dream, and to grow. No child should ever have to endure violence or fear” said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon “for a child who has experienced sexual violence, the response they receive can make all the difference. Healing should never be fragmented. Child survivors and their non-offending caregivers deserve coordinated, child-friendly services that walk with them every step of the way.
Through this national effort and collective partnership, we are strengthening the child protection system, ensuring every child receives coherent, safe, confidential, and compassionate care that respects their rights and dignity, without fragmentation
This milestone reflects Lebanon’s commitment to building a stronger, resilient child protection system. By investing in frontline social workers and embedding quality standards nationwide, Lebanon is advancing a coordinated, sustainable response to protect all children from harm.
Case workers protect and support child survivors every day. They deserve recognition, and stronger systems to make their vital work easier.