Beirut, June 27, 2023 – In an unprecedented and attention-grabbing event, a group of students has initiated an empowering sit-in within their school, demanding the rights of working children. Led by passionate young advocates, this stunt aims to amplify their voices and shed light on the urgent need for change. The message is clear: children don’t belong on the streets; they belong in school, with their families, and in a safe environment.
For the first time in Lebanon, students have taken the initiative to address the struggles of working children. The full-day activity started with an educational session where the students learned about child labor and the laws that protect them. They proceeded to express their demands by painting powerful signs, followed by a powerful march in the school’s playground, protesting the rights of working children, and calling for change.
This stunt was organized by Plan International Lebanon, in partnership with Rene Moawad aiming to shed light on the dire situation of child labor in Lebanon. The campaign named “I Don’t Belong Here,” seeks to capture the hearts and minds of the public by showcasing the struggles faced by children involved in the worst forms of child labor and advocating for their fundamental rights.
The campaign recognizes the harsh reality of child labor in Lebanon, acknowledging that eliminating it entirely is an immense challenge. Instead, the focus lies on advocating for practical and protective measures that address this pressing issue. If children are compelled to work, it should be in accordance with the law, within a protected environment that safeguards their basic fundamental rights.
The “I Don’t Belong Here” campaign was officially launched on World Day Against Child Labor, and as part of the campaign, a roundtable event was held on the 13th of June. The event served as a platform to bring together stakeholders from various organizations, including NGOs, INGOs, embassies, and governmental institutions. The purpose of this roundtable was to foster collaboration and open dialogue among these stakeholders, focusing on discussing practical and protective measures to combat the worst forms of child labor in Lebanon. Participants shared insights, best practices, and recommendations to create a collective action plan for effectively addressing this issue.
Through the “I Don’t Belong Here” campaign, Plan International Lebanon and Rene Moawad Foundation aspire to generate widespread awareness, influence policy changes, and foster a society where every child’s rights are respected and protected. The time for action is now, and it is imperative that we stand together to eradicate child labor and provide children in Lebanon with the opportunities they deserve.
- Campaign’s Video: https://we.tl/t-a2C9H8ldGD
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 75 countries.