The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called for the protection of children, ensuring their safety and safeguarding their rights, in light of the increasing cases of violence against children in Lebanon.
A statement issued by UNICEF Representative in Lebanon Edward Begbeder said, "The information and reports circulating recently in the media and on social media platforms about grave sexual and physical violence against children is an additional indication of the increasing manifestations of violence against children in Lebanon."
UNICEF appeals to families, communities and local authorities to provide the safety and well-being of children and young people, and calls on everyone to break the silence on child abuse and uphold their right to protection, so that every child can live in a safe environment free from violence.
UNICEF called for protecting the privacy of child survivors of violence, and stressed the need not to publish information related to these children, including names, photos and videos containing violent scenes;
Because publishing this material and information may increase the risk of social stigmatization of children and their families.
The statement said that UNICEF will continue to support children, empower families and mobilize societies to ensure that all children, adolescents and women, especially the most vulnerable, are protected from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect, in accordance with the national legal and policy framework and international standards.