iHOPE TBA IPCA Workshop

iHOPE’s Ongoing Efforts to Address IPCA: Workshop with the Tripoli Bar Association

In our continuous mission to fight International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA), iHOPE recently held a crucial workshop in the Tripoli Bar Association in Lebanon. Building on the foundation laid by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy, this event focused on addressing the numerous legal challenges surrounding IPCA and discussing potential solutions to protect families affected by child abduction.
Prior to the workshop commenced, iHOPE had the pleasure of hosting a lunch for all the attendees, providing an opportunity for informal discussions and networking among judges, religious leaders, and local and international government officials. This pre-workshop gathering set the tone for the day, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose.
The workshop targeted the legal perspective of International Parental Child Abduction, through legal presentations by our own, Atty. Rasha Kayal. We explored the complexities of IPCA cases, particularly in the context of Lebanon’s diverse legal system, which combines civil and religious laws. Our presentations highlighted the urgent need for legal reforms to better align Lebanese laws with international frameworks governing parental child abduction.
One of the most significant outcomes of the workshop was the involvement of a member of the Women and Children’s Rights Committee in Lebanon’s Parliament. During the event, that extended a formal invitation to iHOPE to present a Bill draft to Parliament. This proposed Bill aims to amend custody and access rights in Lebanon, ensuring greater adherence to international standards that address IPCA.
This collaboration between legal professionals, government representatives, and civil society organizations marks an important step forward in the fight against IPCA. By working together, we are one step closer to ensuring that the rights of left-behind parents and abducted children are protected under Lebanese law, with greater alignment to international conventions.
At iHOPE, we remain committed to advocating for legislative reforms and stronger legal protections for families impacted by IPCA. We look forward to continuing our work with key stakeholders to bring about meaningful change and ensure that no family has to endure the devastating effects of child abduction.
Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming initiatives and our ongoing efforts to bring IPCA legislation to the forefront of Lebanon’s legal landscape.