A coalition of Lebanese civil society organizations, including leading organizations of persons with disabilities, has issued a petition calling on the Lebanese government to urgently activate the National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, and to guarantee its full independence in accordance with the Paris Principles.
The signatory organizations stressed that the Commission is a cornerstone in Lebanon’s human rights protection system, with a vital mandate to promote and protect all human rights, prevent violations, assist victims, and strengthen the rule of law. They underscored that an independent and fully operational Commission is also a key indicator of progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Key Demands:
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Prompt Activation: The government must finalize all pending regulatory decrees, including the Commission’s internal and financial regulations, and allocate adequate independent resources to enable it to fulfill its mandate without interference.
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Protection from Retaliation: The Commission, its members, and collaborators must be shielded from all forms of retaliation, intimidation, or undue political pressure. This includes protection from physical threats, harassment, or unfair prosecution, particularly when addressing individual cases or reporting serious violations.
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Strengthened Civil Society Engagement: The Commission should engage in structured consultations with civil society organizations, especially those working with marginalized and at-risk groups, to ensure inclusive participation in human rights monitoring and prevention of torture.
The petition recalls Lebanon’s constitutional commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as the country’s obligations under relevant United Nations resolutions. It highlights the Commission’s role as an independent voice for the promotion of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The signatories welcome the ongoing UN technical support for the Commission, including the tripartite partnership between UNDP, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), and call for this cooperation to continue.
Signatory Organizations (in alphabetical order):
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Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN)
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Friends of the Disabled Association (FDA)
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Lebanese Association for Self-Advocacy (LASA)
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Lebanese Union of the Blind (LULB)
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Lebanese Union for Physically Disabled People (LUPD)
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National Association for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon (NARD)
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Forum for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FRPD)
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The Learning Center for the Deaf (LCD)
هذه المقالة متاحة أيضًا بـ: العربية (Arabic)
