Beirut: On Social Workers Day, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and UNICEF celebrated the graduation of 100 trained Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) caseworkers. The ceremony acknowledged a national effort to bolster case management services for child survivors of sexual violence throughout Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, in response to the increasing reports of child sexual abuse, UNICEF, in collaboration with MoSA and the Child Protection and GBV Working Groups, adapted the global Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse (CCS) curriculum to align with Lebanon's laws, including Law 422, mandatory reporting, and national procedures.
Haneen El Sayed, the Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs, emphasized the Ministry's commitment to enhancing workforce capacities, fortifying protection mechanisms, and working in close coordination with the judiciary, security forces, and the health sector. This initiative aims to ensure child-friendly justice and effective, sustainable protection within the national legal frameworks, particularly Law No. 422, which is pivotal for protecting children at risk. She expressed her gratitude towards the trainers, experts, and partners involved in this program, highlighting the importance of investing in social service workforce development for a safer future.
Dr. Randa Hamadeh, Head of the Primary Healthcare Department, stated that the Ministry of Public Health is proud to have contributed to this initiative. The Ministry remains committed to strengthening Clinical Management of Rape services throughout its Primary Health Care network, enhancing coordination with social workers, and ensuring consistent implementation of national standards. Dr. Hamadeh underscored the need for health services to prioritize psychological well-being, safety, and respect alongside treating physical consequences.
From 2025 to 2026, over 100 caseworkers from 50 CP/GBV national and international case management organizations were trained by UNICEF, MoSA, and other partners. These organizations include Himaya, The International Rescue Committee (IRC), ABAAD, Save the Children International (SCI), Terre Des Hommes Lausanne (TDH-L), and INTERSOS. The training focused on a harmonized, survivor-centered approach, equipping caseworkers with skills in safe disclosure, ethical case management, risk assessment, psychological first aid, and referral pathways to ensure children receive timely, high-quality care.
Mr. Frank Mollen, the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon, highlighted the Netherlands' strong support for child protection in Lebanon, focusing on vulnerable groups, including street-connected children. He noted that investing in the social service workforce signifies a broader shift toward strengthening national systems and institutions, showcasing that meaningful system reform is achievable even in challenging contexts through national leadership, technical expertise, and coordinated partnerships.
Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, stated that children deserve safety, laughter, dreams, and growth, free from violence or fear. He emphasized the critical importance of the response received by child survivors of sexual violence, advocating for coordinated, child-friendly services for both children and their non-offending caregivers.
This national initiative marks Lebanon's dedication to building a resilient child protection system. By investing in frontline social workers and embedding quality standards nationwide, Lebanon is advancing a coordinated, sustainable response to safeguard all children from harm. Caseworkers, who protect and support child survivors daily, deserve recognition and stronger systems to facilitate their essential work.