On 16 June 2026, marking International Domestic Workers Day and the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Domestic Workers Convention (C189), Caritas Lebanon welcomed a delegation from the European Union led by Ms. Alexandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation. The visit served as an opportunity to highlight the rights of migrant domestic workers and showcase the protection services provided by Caritas Lebanon.
The visit included a tour of Caritas Lebanon’s safe shelters for migrant domestic workers, where the delegation gained insight into the range of protection services available and heard firsthand testimonies from residents. The delegation also observed the efforts of Caritas Lebanon’s Protection Team in supporting and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
The visit was held under the patronage of Caritas Lebanon President Fr. Samir Ghaoui and in the presence of Executive Director Dr. Lina Bitar, Mr. Hessen Sayah, Head of the Protection Department, Ms. Noha Roukoss, Manager of the Advocacy Unit, Ms. Rana Najib, LEA Project Coordinator and representative of Caritas Austria and members of the Safe Shelters team.
Representing the European Union Delegation were Ms. Alexandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation in Lebanon, Ms. Sara Dominoni, Program Manager, Ms. Lavinia Lys Brera, Program Manager for Migration, Ms. Dani Dib, Program Manager for Gender, and Ms. Madhuri Severgnini, Health and Civil Society Portfolio Manager.
As part of the commemoration, a symbolic gathering was held in the chapel of one of the shelters to mark this important milestone and reaffirm a shared commitment to human rights, decent work, and human dignity. The ceremony reflected the belief that every person deserves respect, protection, and equal treatment regardless of nationality, religion, or circumstance.
The occasion highlighted the continued need to advance the rights of domestic workers, promote fair and decent working conditions, and strengthen protection mechanisms for those most at risk.
Caritas Lebanon highly values its partnership with the European Union and its continued support for initiatives that strengthen protection services and enhance assistance for vulnerable communities across Lebanon.