Religious Leaders Engagement Package for Child Rights under the Qudwa Plan

About

Developed by UNICEF and the Adyan Foundation within the framework of the QUDWA Plan, and through a participatory process with religious leaders, this package aims to strengthen the contribution of religious discourse, religious education and community partnerships to the protection and dignity of children. It brings together Christian and Islamic faith-based references with child rights principles and provides practical tools for religious leaders, educators, teachers, facilitators, child protection practitioners, frontline workers and community members to discuss and promote child rights in a safe, inclusive and age-appropriate manner.The package also supports child protection practitioners in building safe, respectful and effective partnerships with religious actors in Lebanon. It provides guidance on identifying relevant actors, assessing their influence, readiness and practices, building trust, clarifying roles and professional boundaries, organizing culturally and religiously sensitive engagement, supporting safe community messaging and religious discourse, and monitoring the quality of partnerships and learning from them.
 Field-based scenarios, decision-making tools, risk-management guidance and practical annexes support engagement around sensitive issues, including child marriage, child labour, and violence against children and women. The best interests of the child, confidentiality, safeguarding, non-discrimination and the principle of “do no harm” remain central throughout. The package positions religious leaders as partners in prevention, positive social change and safe referral, while case management, reporting and protection decisions remain the responsibility of qualified child protection professionals.The package consists of four interconnected guides:
 

1. A Guidance Manual for Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders: “Child Rights Are a Shared Responsibility.”
2. A Facilitator’s Guide to Christian Religious Education on Child Rights, for the two age groups: 9–12 years and 13–17 years.
3. A Facilitator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Education on Child Rights, for the two age groups: 9–12 years and 13–17 years.
4. “Child Rights Are a Shared Responsibility”: A Guide for Child Protection Practitioners on Engaging with Religious Leaders.