Child abuse is a critical issue that has long been neglected in Lebanon. A study conducted in 2008, showed that 1 out of 6 children in Lebanon is a victim of a form of sexual violence. This refers to only 1 out of 4 types of abuse a child can be exposed to physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

 

​In light of these alarming results, himaya was founded in 2008 with the notification number 748/2009. The organization has continued to grow, responding to child protection needs on a national level. The dedicated & multidisciplinary team of professionals covers all Lebanese territory with offices in Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa; ensuring accessible services to children across Lebanon.

In order to achieve its mission, himaya works with children as well as their families and the environment as a whole. himaya strives for a radical change on a national level in order to improve the lives of children in Lebanon.

 

 

 

In December 2014, himaya won an award from Stars Foundation UK & was awarded as a runner up for the protection sector in the Africa-middle East region. 

 

The Stars Impact Awards recognize and reward effective, well-managed local organizations working to improve child health, education, protection and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) in the countries with the highest rates of under-five mortality.

 

Today, himaya is a specialized NGO in the child protection sector, working to prevent violence against children and offer the support needed for abused children on a psychosocial and legal level; eventually allowing them to be reintegrated as productive and active members of society.

 

In 2018, himaya became a member of the ISS (International Social Service) responding to cross border child abuse cases involving a Lebanese and a foreigner parent. himaya has also become mandated by the Ministry of Justice to handle all legal protection cases in the North Governorate.