Syrian refugees in the Arsal camp, Baalbeck district, Lebanon. (Credit: João Sousa/Archives/L'Orient Today)
Lebanese police announced Monday that they have arrested a man for "sexually assaulting a minor in a Syrian refugee camp in Bebnin," northern Lebanon.
According to a statement from the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces (ISF), "Information was gathered regarding an unknown individual who had assaulted a minor ... before fleeing to an unknown destination."
After the investigation, the ISF's intelligence branch later identified the suspect as K.H., born in 1975, who has no civil status.
The ISF reported that the suspect was apprehended in a refugee camp and "confessed to the charges made against him during his interrogation." The ISF added that legal proceedings are currently underway against him.
Lebanese authorities estimate that around 1.5 million refugees are currently residing in Lebanon. Previously, organizations such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) have raised concerns about sexual violence in refugee camps, where living conditions are often harsh.