Tunisia’s Delegate General for Child Protection has raised concerns over the alarming number of violence and abuse cases involving children, with around 25,000 reports received every year.
Speaking on national radio on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Moncef Ben Abdallah, Delegate General for Child Protection, revealed that the Ministry of Women, Family, Children and Seniors handles approximately 25,000 reports of children in danger annually. This figure, although stable, reflects a worrying trend of various forms of abuse, including verbal violence, physical assault, sexual abuse, and exposure to inappropriate content on social media platforms.
Ben Abdallah emphasised that exposing minors to obscene or indecent imagery, even passively through digital platforms, is legally recognised as a form of sexual exploitation. The growing prevalence of such content on the internet has made this a top priority for the Tunisian authorities.
In addition to cases of direct abuse, the official also highlighted the plight of children lacking family support, a vulnerable group that is often overlooked. To address their needs, the ministry has established integrated reception and support centers, providing a stable environment, social services, and pathways for social reintegration.
To improve responsiveness, two child protection hotlines have been made available: the toll-free number 192 during business hours, and the 1809 helpline outside working hours. These mechanisms allow for rapid alerts and immediate referral to appropriate services.
The figures underscore the ongoing fragility of the family and social fabric in Tunisia, where violence against children remains frequently normalised. While child protection remains high on the institutional agenda, intervention capacity continues to fall short of the growing needs.
MK/ac/lb/as/APA