Public outrage in Lebanon after a Sudanese child was being denied admission to one of the local nurseries for his “dark skin”.
It all started after a report was broadcasted on a local TV channel featuring the full story of a nursery’s director who rejected the admission of a Sudanese refugee child in her nursery. She attributed it to the fact that some parents threatened to withdraw their children from the nursery if a “dark-skin” child was accepted, according to Lebanon-based An-Nahar newspaper.
The report angered people in Lebanon and Sudan. Social media exploded in anger with the hashtag: “طفل_سوداني_يتعرض_للعنصريه” “a Sudanese Child Being Subjected to Racism” trending on Twitter shortly after the report was broadcasted.
kambal Abdallah, a Sudanese social media user tweeted:
Translation: “When humans were created, they did not choose their look, color or affiliation.. This is God made. Racism is a result of education and ignorance of the man’s value.”
Rabia Zayyat, a well-known Lebanese TV shows host, tweeted condemning such an act calling the nursery to close its doors as soon as possible.
Translation: “To the nursery that rejected the Sudanese child: Close your doors immediately. And To the parents who refused to integrate their children with another children of a different color: Your racism is disgusting.”
The 'Syndicate Of Nurseries Owners' In Lebanon issued a statement warning that any nursery that rejected a child based on appearance, would be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, for an unknown reason, many tweets originated from Saudi Arabia using the hashtag “طفل_سوداني_يتعرض_للعنصريه” attacked Lebanon and the Lebanese government for their attitudes.
Norah bin Abdul Aziz, a Saudi Arabian user posted a photo with the caption reads: “No one was born racist.”
Salma Al Qourashi, a Saudi user as well, tweeted saying:
Translation: “They are afraid that their children would be infected with dignity, well-being and self esteem!”
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, no official complaint was made in this context, but a warning was issued to the nursery for violating basic human rights.
The child’s parents were also informed by the ministry that their children is welcome now at the nursery. Thankfully, the child has been granted permission somewhere else.
