The National Human Rights Commission of Lebanon, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (NHRC-CPT), held a high-level meeting today with Ms Kajsa Ollongren, the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, at the Delegation of the European Union in Beirut. The meeting took place as part of the EU delegation’s visit to Lebanon from 19 to 21 November 2025 to engage with national institutions on pressing human rights priorities.
The NHRC-CPT delegation was led by Dr. Fadi Gerges, President of the Commission, and included:
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Mr. Ali Youssef, Treasurer and Commissioner for Complaint Handling
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Ms. Rida Azar, Member of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture
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Mr. Bassam Al Kantar, Commissioner for International Relations
The discussions focused on the current human rights situation in Lebanon, institutional challenges, and opportunities for deeper cooperation between the EU and Lebanon’s National Human Rights Institution, particularly in areas related to detention monitoring, combating torture, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and enhancing access to justice.
During the meeting, the NHRC-CPT presented key findings and recommendations from its recent publications, including:
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The NHRC-CPT Submission to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for Lebanon
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The Report on Challenges to the Rule of Law and Respect for Human Rights during the Israeli War on Lebanon (May 2025)
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The NHRC-CPT Annual Report for 2024
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The Monitoring Report on Detention Conditions in Lebanon: “Deprivation of Everything” (2024)
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The Statement on the Visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions (October 2025)
These documents highlight critical concerns regarding deteriorating socio-economic conditions, widespread violations in places of detention, obstacles to effective investigations into unlawful killings and torture, and the urgent need for structural reforms to protect fundamental freedoms and the rights of vulnerable groups.
The NHRC-CPT emphasized the importance of sustained international cooperation to support Lebanon in meeting its human rights obligations, strengthening national oversight mechanisms, and safeguarding civic space. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate under Law 62/2016 and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the EU on shared human rights priorities.
In addition to the meeting, Dr. Fadi Gerges participated in a dinner held at the residence of H.E. Frank Mollen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon, in honor of Ms Ollongren. The dinner was attended by EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele and a number of diplomatic and political figures as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations, offering an opportunity for broader exchange on human rights developments and the role of independent national institutions in Lebanon.
Ms Ollongren and the accompanying delegation expressed appreciation for the NHRC-CPT’s work and welcomed continued engagement to advance human rights protection in Lebanon.
The NHRC-CPT looks forward to further dialogue with the European Union and other international partners as it continues its mission to monitor, document, and promote human rights across Lebanon.
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