A Collaborative Milestone in Lebanon: Inauguration of the Rehabilitation Center for Children/Boys in Conflict with the Law

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of MoIM, H.E. Minister Ahmad Al Hajjar, the Director General of ISF, Major General Raed Al Abdallah, the Director General of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) representing Minister of Justice, Judge Mohammad El Masri, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Lebanon,  H.E. Ambassador Ms. Sandra De Waele, and UNODC Regional Representative in the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), Ms. Cristina Albertin, along with senior Lebanese officials, members of the judiciary, and partners from the civil society. 

In his speech, H.E. Minister Ahmad Al Hajjar highlighted the importance of this moment for the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. “Today, we inaugurate a center dedicated to a group that is often fragile and vulnerable: our youth. But this is more than just the opening of a building. This center represents a space of hope and new opportunities for children who have lost their way. It is a space where they can rediscover their potential and reintegrate into society as productive and empowered individuals. We recognize the complex social and psychological factors that may lead some juveniles to engage in unlawful behaviour.  That is why we have chosen to pursue a reformative, rather than punitive, approach. It is our duty - as the State of Lebanon - to provide these young people with the environment, support, and resources they need to rebuild their lives and reclaim their future.”

In a speech delivered by the Director General of the Ministry of Justice, representing the Ministry,Judge Mohammad El Masri, he emphasized that the inauguration of the Rehabilitation Center is more than a moment of celebration - it is a moment for reflection, review, and a serious step on Lebanon’s path toward restorative justice. He stated: “The Juvenile Justice Department at the Ministry of Justice is entrusted with overseeing the effective implementation of rehabilitation programmes for juveniles and coordinating with civil society organizations to ensure comprehensive support.”

The Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Al Abdallah highlighted the operational impact of this achievement “The goal of this initiative is to accommodate juveniles in an independent facility, where they are supported through advanced, quality-driven rehabilitative practices.” In his speech, Major General Al Abdallah  emphasized the strategic significance of the center, underscoring Lebanon’s dedication to upholding the best interests of the child and enabling young individuals to rebuild their lives through education, psychosocial support, and vocational training.

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador of the European Union Ms. Sandra De Waele, reiterated the EU's long-standing commitment to human rights and justice reform in Lebanon, while promoting the rule of law and protecting vulnerable groups, noting: This center not only meets international standards, but it also provides a child-friendly, supportive environment that aims to boost the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the children and youth. This is not only good for them, but it is also good for the Lebanese society as a whole. Creating an environment conducive to their rehabilitation and reintegration will certainly reduce their chances of relapsing and show them that not all is lost, and that they have another chance.’

The newly refurbished facility was established with the technical assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, under the European Union-funded projects [1] implemented by MoIM, and in close collaboration with MoJ. It builds on a pioneering initiative launched in 2003, when UNODC supported the establishment of a rehabilitation center for girls in conflict with the law near Dahr el-Bachek Hospital—an effort that laid the foundation for gender-sensitive and child-centered justice in Lebanon.

From her side, UNODC Regional Representative in the MENA region, Ms. Cristina Albertin stated: “The prison door for children in conflict with the law is now closed forever, paving the way for a facility that aligns with UN standards and international best practices, offering a safe, dignified, and supportive environment that fosters rehabilitation and reintegration through meaningful activities and programmes promoting health, self-respect, responsibility, and essential life skills.”, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts that offer children in conflict with the law opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.

The initiative embodies years of partnership and a shared vision to create an environment where children in conflict with the law are supported throughout their rehabilitation and reintegration process. Replacing the traditional, intimidating institutional atmosphere, the space now offers a warm and supportive setting shaped by thoughtful architectural design, functional spatial division, and cosmetic enhancements such as vibrant wayfinding signage and artistically inspiring murals painted on the walls by youth that carry messages of hope for juveniles.

The center has been designed to provide a safe, child-friendly environment for around 100 juveniles in conflict with the law who were previously held in the juvenile wing in Roumieh prison. This transformative step ensures their permanent separation from the adult building in Roumieh prison and transfer them to this center, where they benefit from a green and friendly environment away from the prison setting. Here, they receive social and psychological services, develop their life skills, and participate in rehabilitation programmes, tailored for them by a specialized team to support their successful reintegration into society.

This collaborative milestone is part of a broader programme aimed at strengthening the rule of law through a human rights-based criminal justice system in Lebanon, in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules. Implemented by UNODC over seven years with the financial support from the European Union and in close coordination with Lebanese authorities, the programme enhanced institutional capacities and promoted the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals in conflict with the law, offering a rehabilitative alternative to punitive detention. Further embodying the spirit of collaboration, the construction of the perimeter fence of the Rehabilitation Center for Children/Boys in Conflict with the Law was made possible through the financial support of the Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the Embassy of the United States of America in Beirut. 

As Lebanon continues to face socioeconomic and institutional challenges, the inauguration of the Rehabilitation Center in Warwar stands as a testament to what can be achieved, even in difficult times, through joint action grounded in compassion, rights-based policy, and a shared vision: When given the chance and driven by hope, Rehabilitation, and social reintegration is possible.

[1] The European Union-funded projects referenced:

• “Strengthening the rule of law through improved human rights based criminal justice system in Lebanon” (March 2018 – February 2022).
• “Enhancing access to justice, fundamental rights safeguards in the criminal justice system, and independent justice oversight mechanisms” (January 2023-December 2025) joint project of UNODC and UNDP.