Protecting children from violence
A nation-wide campaign to raise public awareness on the issue of child abuse and on the need for implementing measures that protect children from violence, exploitation, and neglect will be launched in Lebanon, today 19 November, on the occasion of the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse.
The campaign is organized by the Higher Council for Childhood and the Ministry Of Social Affairs in partnership with KAFA (enough) Violence & Exploitation, Rene Moawad Foundation, Save the Children Sweden, UNICEF, and World Vision.
According to a press release from the organizers, the campaign draws inspiration from article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes that all children are entitled to special care, assistance, and the right to social protection.
This event will be marked by several activities, including a march of children culminating in the painting of a mural on Naba’a Road and a circus performance with games and activities for children.This will be organised by participating organisations in coordination with Bourj Hammoud and Sin El Fil’s NGO Coordination Committeeand AFEL.
 | |
A poster to be used for the child abuse campaign.
Between 17-20 November, hundreds of children and young people will be distributing materials on child abuse at “Peace Pit-Stops” on roads and highways all over Lebanon in an effort to raise awareness on the plight of exploited and vulnerable children, and send out messages of peace and non-violence.
In addition to these activities, the campaign will target schools, child protection NGOs, community centers and other public places to sensitize the entire Lebanese society to the problem of child abuse, and information kits (poster, flyer, pin, and sticker) will be distributed to parliamentarians, ministers, NGOS, Universities, Schools, Ministry Development Community Centers and Dispensaries to lobby for action and change.
KAFA, through the support of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) recently produced an awareness kit entitled “Marching Towards Safety”, for use by child care providers, social workers and parents as an animation and awareness tool to educate children to protect themselves against sexual abuse.