The National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, has formally submitted its application for international accreditation to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). This step follows a series of technical and diplomatic meetings held by the Commission’s Commissioner for International Relations, Bassam Al Kantar, during an official visit to Geneva from 10 to 14 November 2025.
This development marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the Commission’s status as an independent national mechanism aligned with the Paris Principles and international standards governing national human rights institutions. It also reflects the institutional commitment to consolidating the Commission’s role in monitoring, accountability, prevention of torture, and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in Lebanon.
During the visit, the delegation held several official meetings with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), beginning with an extensive session at Palais Wilson with Ms. Cynthia Radert, Deputy Chief of the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section (NIRMS), and Human Rights Officer Mr. Johnny Baryougar White. The meeting focused on the technical requirements of the accreditation file. It provided the Commission with specialized guidance on the steps that must be completed ahead of the next session of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA).
As part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation, Al Kantar held a wide range of meetings at the Palais des Nations with several international human rights organizations. During these engagements, he presented an advocacy brief outlining the Commission’s key priorities in the context of Lebanon’s upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR). These consultations culminated in a formal meeting with Lebanon’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Ambassador Caroline Ziadeh, in the presence of Diplomat Rana Khoury. The meeting resulted in agreement on enhanced coordination between the Lebanese Mission and the Commission, particularly regarding support for the accreditation process and the Commission’s engagement in the work of the Human Rights Council.
The Commission also held a dedicated meeting with Mr. Mohammad Nsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section at OHCHR, during which the progress achieved so far in the accreditation process was reviewed. Discussions also addressed remaining institutional challenges, including the need to strengthen financial resources, secure an independent headquarters that meets international standards, and deepen cooperation with ministries and public institutions to ensure effective implementation of the Commission’s mandate.
This official mission offered the Commission an important opportunity to reinforce its international presence as an independent body mandated to monitor human rights and prevent torture. It also facilitated the expansion of partnerships with the UN and international human rights bodies, paving the way for closer cooperation in the lead-up to the SCA accreditation review scheduled for April 2026.
Obtaining “A-status” accreditation from GANHRI would constitute a milestone for the National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture. It would allow the Commission to deliver oral statements under all agenda items of the Human Rights Council, participate via video messages in general debates,including during the adoption of UPR outcomes,and intervene immediately after the concerned State during interactive dialogues with Special Procedures mandate holders and following the presentation of country visit reports. It would also grant the Commission the right to submit official written documents issued under UN documentation symbols and to occupy independent seating in all Council sessions. Furthermore, according to paragraph 28 of Human Rights Council Resolution 16/21, “A-status” institutions are entitled to nominate candidates for Special Procedures mandates (paragraph 22(a)).
It is noteworthy that the Lebanese Council of Ministers approved two draft decrees,concerning the Commission’s internal and financial regulations,through Decision No. 5 dated 9 October 2025. The Commission is intensifying its advocacy efforts to secure the adoption of the remaining decrees, particularly those related to remuneration for the Chair and members and the contracting framework. Additionally, the Commission has begun preparing its new headquarters in Beirut, which is expected to be officially inaugurated before the end of this year.
The National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, affirms that its formal submission for accreditation to GANHRI represents a historic milestone toward securing full international recognition of its independence and mandate. The Commission will continue working over the coming months to finalize all legal, structural, and technical requirements ahead of the SCA’s forty-seventh session.
هذه المقالة متاحة أيضًا بـ: العربية (Arabic) Français (French)
