Child protection services in Lebanon are struggling to cope with the increasing cases of neglect and abuse, according to experts. In the first five months of 2023, a local NGO responded to 1,415 cases of child violence. The recent death of six-year-old Leen Talib, who was a victim of repeated sexual assault, has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Lebanon is obliged by international law to protect children from abuse, but implementation has been lacking. The economic crisis and the devastating explosion in Beirut in 2020 have worsened conditions for children, leading to an increase in violent cases. The collapse of child protection services, civil courts, and crisis management resources has also contributed to the rise in child cruelty. The poor economic situation has left families desperate and exposed children to risks of abuse. Furthermore, poor oversight of daycare and babysitting services has made them susceptible to abuse. The situation is further compounded by child abandonment, child labor, and child marriage. Although there is a lack of published statistics on child abuse in Lebanon, recent high-profile cases have shed light on the issue. However, it is often only the most prominent cases that receive attention, with authorities only acting when the media exposes a case. Religious laws have also been criticized for protecting abusers. Lebanese authorities attribute the rise in abuse cases to moral decay and lack of public awareness. State security officials emphasize the importance of raising awareness and educating young people to protect themselves from harassers. Parents are urged to have open conversations with their children and encourage them to report incidents to avoid long-term psychological harm.
Innocent Victims of Lebanon’s Multiple Crises: Child Abuse Cases Come to the Fore – Arab News Japan
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