Lebanon

In Lebanon, safeguarding systems for children and adults are shaped by a combination of national legislation, civil society efforts, and the country’s complex socio-political context. Laws such as the Law to Protect Children from Abuse (2020) and the Law on the Protection of Women and Other Family Members from Domestic Violence (2014) provide a legal foundation for safeguarding, with support services often delivered by NGOs and community-based organisations. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and many individuals—especially in rural areas or among marginalised groups—face barriers to reporting abuse due to social stigma, mistrust of authorities, or the prioritisation of family reputation. Lebanon’s history of political instability and economic hardship has further strained social support systems. As a result, Lebanese students in the UK may have varied experiences with safeguarding: while some may be familiar with formal mechanisms, others may be accustomed to informal, family-managed approaches or may feel uncomfortable disclosing personal or sensitive issues to institutional figures.

Mental health in Lebanon is increasingly acknowledged as a public health priority, particularly following the compounded stress of political unrest, economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Public awareness is growing—especially among youth and in urban areas—but stigma remains a major barrier, with mental illness often misunderstood or seen as a private matter to be handled within the family or through religious or social networks. Access to professional mental health care is limited by cost, availability, and regional disparities, though NGOs and university-based services are working to fill these gaps. Lebanese students in the UK may be aware of mental health challenges but hesitant to seek support due to fears of judgment, concerns about confidentiality, or unfamiliarity with counselling models. UK university professionals can support these students by offering non-judgmental, culturally aware wellbeing services, clearly communicating confidentiality policies, and normalising mental health care as a tool for resilience, adjustment, and academic success. Building trust and promoting a holistic view of wellbeing can significantly enhance engagement.