Children of utmost importance in Lebanon

November 23, 2006

All eyes are on Lebanon as concerns grow for the country’s stability following this week’s assassination of the country’s Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel.

Gemayel was shot and killed as he drove through Beirut. His death weakens Prime Minister Fouad Sinora’s cabinet, at a time when his government is under increasing pressure from opposition groups.

The international community has condemned Gemayel’s killing, and reinforced the country’s right to democracy. Violence broke out as news of Gemayel’s death spread and there are fears this will continue.

Amid it all, World Vision is primarily concerned, as always, with the stability and security of children.

Over the past week, the aid agency has teamed with a local organisation and launched an advocacy campaign protesting all forms of violence against children in Lebanon. The campaign coincided with Monday’s (November 20) Universal Children’s Day.

As part of the Protecting children from violence: Their right – our duty campaign, volunteers in World Vision Area Development Programmes (ADPs) throughout Lebanon have been conducting a massive visibility effort through the distribution of posters, flyers, stickers, pins and T-shirts.

“We have decided to play an active role in the campaign to influence leaders, policy makers, governments, civil society and families in preventing violence and abuse against children,” said World Vision Lebanon National Director, Bruce Menser.

“We are convinced that every one of us has the responsibility to protect them and through this campaign we are raising awareness focused on the different settings of violence.”

The World Vision materials being distributed highlight all forms of violence against children, from sexual, physical and verbal abuse at home to unexploded ordnance – a particular concern in Lebanon following the recent war – and exploitation on the streets. The information is being distributed from promotion points throughout the country along roads and in public spaces. Materials are also being sent to members of parliament, ministers, NGOs, universities, schools and ministry development community centres.

“This is our first step towards implementing long-term advocacy initiatives with the aim of building public awareness about the problem of violence that affects hundreds of thousands of Lebanese children,” said Menser.