Paris – 09.06.2026: The case of eleven-year-old Lyhanna from Gers has caused great consternation in France. The girl became a victim of severe violence, which sparked nationwide protests and calls for stricter measures to protect children. In response, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that the existing child protection bill would be reviewed and strengthened if necessary. At the end of May, the government had already presented a comprehensive bill aimed at improving the safety of children. Among other things, it provides for stricter screening of people working in schools, kindergartens, and other childcare facilities, including a mandatory check of the criminal record. The goal is to strengthen the prevention of child abuse and make the protection system more effective. In view of the public pressure for further protective measures following the Lyhanna case, the government plans to include additional regulations in the law. This includes the introduction of a “Child Safety Ordinance,” which allows judges and prosecutors to act quickly and decisively in acute danger situations. Furthermore, accelerating decisions regarding parental custody removals and adoptions should enable children in distressing situations to be removed from dangerous environments more quickly and provide them with a stable future. These expansions were discussed in a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Lecornu. Ministers from the interior, justice, health, education, and equality departments were present. The aim is a comprehensive reform that meets the current challenges of child protection and sustainably strengthens the public’s trust in the judiciary. The planned adjustments have received broad support from experts and citizens demanding swift and effective measures. At the same time, critics emphasize that the entire protection system needs to be further reformed to better protect at-risk children in the long term and act preventively. The government has announced that the revised proposals will be submitted to parliament promptly to enable swift adoption. A focus is placed on the urgency of child protection, which is given the highest priority. Delays are to be consistently avoided. Until then, authorities are working intensively to advance the investigations in the Lyhanna case and hold those responsible accountable. The general public expects concrete progress and sustainable improvements. The tragic case of Lyhanna has vividly demonstrated how important effective protection of children in France is. Through the planned legislative changes, crucial gaps in the system could be closed, and the safety of minors significantly better ensured in the future.
Nachrichten.fr · June 9, 2026