Seminar on Child Protection

The Child Protection Unit at Hôtel-Dieu de France, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Higher Council for Childhood, organized a seminar on Child Protection. The event took place on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Auditorium N. et H. Obegi.

The seminar brought together representatives of social organizations, trade unions and NGOs concerned with child protection in Lebanon.

The seminar was launched by Mr. Nassib Nasr, General Manager of the USJ-HDF hospital network, who underlined the importance given to children at the hospital, which since 2009 has taken important steps to reinforce children's safety. In this respect, a Child Protection Unit has been set up with the specific aim of monitoring the mental and physical health of paediatric patients. He expressed his hope that this special conference would play a vital role in protecting children and their well-being.

Prof. Elie Nemer, Dean of the USJ Faculty of Medicine, emphasized the role of academic institutions and companies in training healthcare professionals, while stressing the vulnerability of children and the social responsibility of all players.

In turn, Ms. Nada Kfoury, representing the Minister of Social Affairs, stressed the importance of reactivating the Child Protection Committee to combat all forms of violence and guarantee children's rights and safety.

Dr. Karam Anhouri, representing the Minister of Health, thanked the participants for their commitment to combating physical and psychological violence against children, stressing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to providing a safe environment for children.

Finally, Prof. Bernard Gerbaka, pediatrician and head of the Child Protection Unit, emphasized the importance of this unit and its essential role in hospital work. He stressed the need to train healthcare providers in the realities of child protection to better meet the needs of vulnerable children.

The seminar began with presentations by several moderators, followed by question-and-answer sessions. Finally, a round table discussion was organized to encourage interaction and exchange of ideas between the moderators and the audience.

The seminar was an opportunity to bring together different players involved in child protection, to share knowledge and experience, and to strengthen cooperation in favor of the safety and well-being of children in hospitals and health centers.