Childhood at the Heart of the Storm... A Judicial-Medical Alliance Opens a Boundless Battle

A cooperation agreement was signed this afternoon between the Ministry of Justice and the Child Protection Unit at Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, in collaboration with the Saint Joseph University network, with the aim of strengthening the child protection strategy in the fields of justice and health. The signing took place during a ceremony held in the hospital’s general administration hall, attended by Justice Minister Adel Nassar, Saint Joseph University of Beirut President Father François Boadak, SJ, Hôtel-Dieu Hospital Director General Nassib Nasr, and a number of officials, academics, judges, and doctors.

Hospital Director General Nassib Nasr stressed that the agreement embodies the institution’s commitment to its social role, emphasizing that the hospital’s mission is not limited to treating patients, but extends to defending fundamental rights and supporting the most vulnerable groups, foremost among them children.

Nasr said that the cooperation between the specialized child protection unit at Hôtel-Dieu and the Ministry of Justice constitutes an essential step in building a more effective system to protect childhood in Lebanon, noting that the success of this mission requires the integration of medical and judicial expertise within a shared vision that places the child’s best interest above all else.

Nasr also recalled the Beirut port explosion of August 4, 2020, affirming that the wounds of that tragedy remain present and that justice remains a fundamental demand of the victims’ families. He stressed the need for the judicial process to continue until the truth is revealed and those responsible are held accountable.

He expressed appreciation to the justice minister for the efforts being made in this file, calling for the path of justice and accountability to continue, and considering that protecting children and achieving justice for the victims of the port explosion both stem from a single principle based on respect for the human person and the safeguarding of dignity and rights.

For his part, Saint Joseph University President Father François Boadak affirmed that child protection is an essential part of the mission of both Hôtel-Dieu and the university, noting that the new agreement reflects the importance of strengthening cooperation among official, medical, and academic institutions to provide a safe environment for children.

He pointed out that the challenges facing Lebanese society make the development of protection mechanisms an urgent matter, calling for continued work to establish the procedures and records necessary to ensure children’s safety and strengthen their rights.

In turn, Justice Minister Adel Nassar stressed that protecting childhood represents one of humanity’s foremost battles, affirming that the agreement signed today brings together medicine and justice in the service of children and their protection from violations.

Nassar also recalled the moments following the Beirut port explosion, affirming the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to continuing the investigation along its legal course. He said the case is proceeding in accordance with the required judicial procedures, away from any time-related or media pressure, while respecting the independence of the judiciary.

He explained that the Public Prosecution is preparing its submissions in the case, expecting this stage to be completed within about 60 days before the file is referred to the investigating judge in preparation for moving to the next phase.

On the issue of child protection, Nassar stressed that the agreement is not merely a theoretical framework, but must be translated into practical steps, so that doctors place their expertise at the service of justice, while the judicial authority allows doctors, when necessary, access to information related to children’s cases in a way that preserves their rights.

He noted that the Ministry of Justice has referred to Parliament a draft law aimed at raising the age of criminal responsibility for children, affirming that true justice lies not only in accountability, but also in understanding, support, and care, because a child remains in need of protection whether a victim or a party to a case.

Nassar concluded by stressing that protecting childhood is a shared national responsibility, and that unifying the efforts of the judiciary and the medical sector is a necessary step toward building a society that respects children’s rights and secures for them a safer future.