Strategic plan to protect women and children in partnership with UNICEF

With EU- financial support and in partnership with UNICEF, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) launched on June 24 its Strategic Plan for the Protection of Women and Children for the period 2020-2027. The above plan focuses on strengthening MOSA’s leadership and regulatory role in child protection and protection against gender-based violence, as well as ensuring coordination and integration between the public and private sectors, including civil society, to secure the delivery of comprehensive and quality services for target groups. This will reportedly contribute to reinforcing the national system for the prevention and response to child protection violations and gender-based violence. On the occasion, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Yukie Mokuo, pointed out that the plan constitutes a roadmap for the ministry to move forward in committing to the protection of women and children. It also represents an exceptional opportunity to streamline efforts across the Lebanese government, civil society organizations and private sector partners, with the support of the international community to this effect. For his part, minister Ramsey Mcharafieh, said the protection of women and children from all nationalities, Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian, is an ethical and humanitarian duty and a firm commitment rather than an option. “I am committed to protect women and children against any form of violence or discrimination, respecting their rights, upholding their interests and defending them in both words and action,” Mcharafieh stated. )An Nahar, June 24, 2020(