Beirut, July 3–4, 2025 – The Lebanese Center for Human Rights organized a roundtable discussion focused on child-friendly justice for juveniles in conflict with the law, in collaboration with ALEF. This event is part of a series of open discussions supported by the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), aimed at shedding light on the legal framework governing juvenile cases, approaching it from both practical and theoretical perspectives in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, and enhancing coordination to ensure the protection of children’s rights in Lebanon. Participants included representatives from the Tripoli Bar Association, security agencies, and the National Human Rights Commission. Judge Ghada Shamseddine was also in attendance, representing the Ministry of Justice. She is well known for her extensive experience and continuous work in the field of juvenile justice.
On the first day, Atty. Wedad El Abed presented the reasons behind the distinction between juvenile justice and ordinary justice. She also reviewed the binding international treaties and conventions ratified by Lebanon, whether related to children's rights or human rights in general, including those offering special protection to children in situations of armed conflict under international humanitarian law.
She also addressed the core principles of Law No. 422/2002, and the objectives set by the Juvenile Department at the Ministry of Justice. The session included an explanation of the causes of juvenile delinquency, the age of criminal responsibility, the minimum age for detention, and the legal procedures followed when a juvenile is involved in a crime alone or in participation with an adult, highlighting the distinctions between the two situations.
Following that, Atty. Wedad El Abed discussed the legal procedures concerning juveniles at risk. She noted that decisions made by juvenile judges are not subject to appeal through ordinary legal remedies and that these judges have broad discretionary powers to take measures they deem in the best interest of the child. The discussion also highlighted the importance of applying the most appropriate measures for the juvenile’s situation, in line with child-friendly justice standards, based on binding international agreements and the goals defined by the Juvenile Department at the Ministry of Justice.
On the following day, Atty. Wedad El Abed addressed the topic of institutional structure, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the social, legal, and judicial domains. The session included an overview of the role of social workers in cases involving juveniles or children at risk, and how judges intervene in such situations.
Participants discussed the role of the social workers when working with a juvenile at risk of delinquency, how to assess and address the underlying issues, guide the minor, enhance their skills, help them overcome negative emotions, and reintegrate them into society through suitable training and educational programs. The discussion also covered the social worker’s role during legal and judicial proceedings, particularly in rehabilitation, while maintaining a balanced interaction with both the child and their family without undue interference.
The session then moved on to examine the roles of the judge, the lawyer, and law enforcement, emphasizing their distinct functions in juvenile justice. Their role extends
beyond defense, trial, and judgment, as is typical in ordinary courts, to include social responsibilities aimed at saving the child, whether they are in conflict with the law or at risk of delinquency.
The discussion concluded with an emphasis on the necessity of invalidating initial investigations when a social worker is absent during the investigation. It also highlighted the activation of Article 47 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, as well as the proposal to add a provision in Law 422/2002 that mandates the presence of a lawyer with the minor at all stages of the investigation and trial. Additionally, there was a call for raising the age of criminal responsibility, urging judges to adopt alternative measures to detention in accordance with Lebanon's binding international agreements, the spirit of Law 422, and the principles on which it was based, as well as the goals established by the Juvenile Department at the Ministry of Justice.
Atty Wedad El Abed emphasized the importance of activating oversight and accountability mechanisms, and the need for the specialization of all agencies involved with juveniles, starting from the judge, passing through the social delegate, and reaching the lawyer and judicial police. The discussion concluded with a reaffirmation of the need to activate the principles of child-friendly justice.
