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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

Children in danger 'not heard' in France, rights lawyer warns after Lyhanna death

White roses and balloons are left beside a pond during a rally in Saint-Jean-d'Angély on 9 June 2026 in memory of Lyhanna, 11, whose death has sparked outrage over alleged failures in France's child protection and justice systems.
White roses and balloons are left beside a pond during a rally in Saint-Jean-d'Angély on 9 June 2026 in memory of Lyhanna, 11, whose death has sparked outrage over alleged failures in France's child protection and justice systems. AFP - ROMAIN PERROCHEAU

The abduction and killing of 11-year-old French schoolgirl Lyhanna has catapaulted child protection to the top of France's political agenda – with President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday calling for full accountability and the government pledging full transparency. As investigators examine possible failures by the justice system, child rights lawyer Dominique Attias tells RFI professionals have been warning for years that vulnerable children are not being protected.

Lyhanna disappeared in the town of Fleurance in southwestern France on 29 May. Her body was found six days later in an abandoned grain silo.

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