The workshop aimed to strengthen participants' understanding of children's rights as guaranteed under Lebanese legislation and international conventions, while examining the gap between legal protections and the daily realities faced by children. Discussions focused on key challenges affecting children, including poverty, child labour, school dropout, violence, neglect, limited access to healthcare and social services, as well as the growing impact of economic instability and digital risks.
Byblos, Lebanon
Lebanese Children Between Law and Reality
Throughout six interactive sessions, expert speakers addressed a range of topics related to child protection and juvenile justice. Discussions covered the legal framework governing children's rights in Lebanon, the responsibilities of relevant institutions in protecting children, rehabilitation approaches within the juvenile justice system, as well as emerging challenges such as domestic violence, cyber-bullying, and the impact of ongoing economic and digital crises on children's well-being.
The workshop encouraged constructive dialogue among participants and promoted the exchange of experiences and perspectives from different sectors. Through interactive discussions, participants explored practical approaches to improving coordination among public institutions, civil society organizations, schools, and families in order to better safeguard children's rights and ensure access to protection and support services.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants formulated a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening the implementation of child protection legislation, expanding psycho-social support services, enhancing public awareness of children's rights, combating child labour and violence against children, and promoting evidence-based policies that respond to the evolving needs of children in Lebanon.