Article: “Maltraitance, maladies : ce que révèle un rapport sur le seul centre de détention pour mineurs du Liban”
Source: L’Orient-Le Jour
Published: 23 September 2026, 14:23
Byline: L’OLJ; no individual reporter is credited
Children sleeping on the floor of isolation cells. Skin infections spreading amid shortages of water and hygiene supplies. No doctor or nurse stationed at a facility holding 148 minors. These are among the conditions described by L’Orient-Le Jour in its coverage of a National Human Rights Commission report on the Ouarouar juvenile rehabilitation centre in Baabda.
The Commission’s findings followed an unannounced visit on 17 September. Some children told inspectors they had been physically assaulted before being placed in isolation. The inspection team observed cases of scabies, fungal infections, allergies and skin inflammation, as well as unsanitary toilets and showers, rubbish, torn bedding and insufficient food. The report also identified children who needed specialist medical care or surgery.
The findings add to concerns previously documented by L’Orient-Le Jour. In an earlier visit, the newspaper reported fungal infections and shortages of medication for children with chronic illnesses. Although the centre opened in May 2025 with European Union funding and cooperation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, it has relied on donations for basic items, including hygiene products, medicine and clothing, the article says.
The Commission is calling for action on a tight timetable: an end to disciplinary isolation and safeguards for affected children within 24 hours; an independent investigation into allegations of beatings and mistreatment within seven days; and regular medical care, essential medicines, reliable water and sanitation, and a confidential complaints mechanism within 30 days. It also recommends a staffing plan, stronger education and training, and improved tracking of children’s legal cases and family contact.
The EU and UNODC declined to comment on the report. The Internal Security Forces and a Ministry of Justice source were unavailable for comment when contacted by L’Orient-Le Jour. The Commission also renewed its call for lawmakers to raise Lebanon’s minimum age of criminal responsibility from seven to fourteen.
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