Monday, 25 May 2026
Sahar El-Sunbati, Chairperson of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood
Egypt's Child Council praises swift action in an international school sexual assault case
Dr. Sahar El-Sunbati, Chairperson of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), has strongly commended the decisive measures taken by Minister of Education and Technical Education, Mohamed Abdel Latif, in response to the sexual assault incident at Seeds International School in Salam City, Cairo Governorate. She described the actions as a clear demonstration of serious commitment to protecting children and ensuring a safe educational environment that upholds their rights and dignity.
Dr. El-Sunbati praised the Ministry of Education for its rapid response, including sending an expanded investigation committee and ultimately placing the school under full financial and administrative supervision of the ministry. All officials involved in covering up or grossly neglecting the incident have been referred to the legal affairs department. “These steps send a strong message that the safety and security of children is a red line that cannot be crossed under any circumstances,” she stated.
The NCCM’s Child Helpline Department monitored the case from the very first moment the complaint was received. Investigations revealed that five children were sexually assaulted by four school staff members. The abuse came to light after one child’s mother noticed behavioral changes and the child disclosed what had happened. Parents confronted the school, where the children identified the perpetrators. Three families initially filed official police reports, and two more joined after contacting the Child Helpline (16000).
Dr. El-Sunbati confirmed that the NCCM’s Legal Support Unit is closely following the investigations and providing comprehensive legal assistance to protect the children’s rights. The Public Prosecution has questioned the children and their families, conducted necessary inspections, and issued pretrial detention orders for the four accused. The children have also been referred to the Forensic Medicine Authority to complete the required procedures.
A team of NCCM psychologists will visit the affected children and their families to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation plan using modern therapeutic techniques to address anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The program aims to restore the children’s sense of security, rebuild their self-confidence, and improve their social interactions.
Dr. El-Sunbati strongly condemned the incident, noting that the accused face charges of kidnapping accompanied by indecent assault — a crime punishable by death under Articles 289 and 290 of the Egyptian Penal Code. She emphasized that any violation of a child’s dignity or rights will be met with the utmost severity to ensure full legal accountability and protection from harm. “The physical and psychological safety of children is an absolute priority that allows no compromise,” she added.
The NCCM Chairperson urged parents and families never to remain silent or cover up any incident that threatens children’s safety, stressing that child protection is a shared responsibility. Prompt reporting enables immediate intervention and prevents further harm.
She called on all citizens to contact the Child Helpline (16000), available 24/7, or send reports via WhatsApp to 01102121600, to report any violation or suspected danger to a child.