On the occasion of the International Child Day, the Lebanese parliament took a youthful face: 128 children dressed in white were hosted in the deputies’ chamber interacting with the State on a number of subjects that matter to them.

Parliament speaker Mr. Nabih Berri opened and moderated the session. He brought up child participation and how to improve communication between youth and the parliament through local and international civil society groups as well as internet.

In his address on the occasion, Prime Minister Mr. Najib Mikati stressed on Human Rights values, freedom and parents’ respect. He considered education pivotal for realizing the aspirations of the youth.

The first lady Mrs Wafaa Sleiman focused on the role children play in society and said “the rights of children secured under international agreements guarantee their right to a dignified life, protection and education. Children should be allowed to have access to information which will contribute to their development. Parents need to be aware of how to deal with their children inside the household while the government has the responsibility to monitor violations and have a safety net along the legal system allowing respect of child rights”.

The Minister of Social affairs Mr. Wael abou Faour stated that this meeting with children is democratic by far. Youths would like to know more about the government, to share their concerns and have clarifications. The government owes to listen to them and give them answers.

Children emphasized different topics relevant to them. Gael, a 15 year old Lebanese girl asked about children’s right to form and join associations and the reason why this is not happening in Lebanon. Mr.Mikati replied that such a request will be referred to the government for further discussion and a possible approval.

Salah, a 16 year old Lebanese boy tackled the absence of IT equipment in public schools when the educational curriculum requires this kind of material. Mr. Mikati mentioned that donors are contributing in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Communication to ensure introduction of technology to schools.

Darine, a 17 year old Palestinian girl stressed on the rights of Palestinian children refugees which are not granted to them such as right of their families to own property or for them to have identity papers. Mr. Berri explained that Lebanon has been supporting Palestinians and many laws have been approved to improve their situation in the country and during the last years many jobs have become accessible to Palestinians in Lebanon which was not the case before. Moreover, the government is paying special attention to improve the living conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon still respecting their right to return.

This initiative was put forward by the Higher Council of Childhood in coordination with different civil society organizations. Save the Children, who is supporting the child forum, was represented by the national director who attended the session and children representing the child forum who interacted with duty bearers.

Save the Children Sweden Lebanon Country Director, Ruba Khoury, believes that participating children from a number of local partners will not forget that day as long as they live because this is real participation. Lebanese, Palestinian and Iraqi children were leading the advocacy work, they are right holders and this was the opportunity for them to voice questions about issues they face every day. It was also an opportunity for duty bearers to listen to children messages.

At the end of the session, two laws were submitted to the Parliament Speaker for amendment regarding the revised child protection law and the penal law that aims to contribute to a systematic social and legal protection for all children in Lebanon.