The National Human Rights Commission of Lebanon, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (NHRC-CPT), held a meeting with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) at its headquarters in Maison de la Paix, Geneva, in the framework of its participation in the General Assembly of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
The Commission was represented by Dr. Fadi Gerges, President of the Commission, and Mr. Bassam Al Kantar, Commissioner for International Relations. The DCAF delegation included Ms. Cécile Lagoutte, Senior Adviser, Middle East and North Africa Division, Mr. Ayman Ayoub, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division, as well as Mr. Alex Burian, Ms. Jolie-Ruth Morand, Ms. Ornella Moderan, and Ms. Rebecca Mikova.
During the meeting, the NHRC-CPT presented a comprehensive briefing on the current situation in Lebanon, highlighting the challenges arising since the escalation of the conflict, particularly in relation to human rights protection, conditions of detention, and the increased risks of violations in a context marked by security and humanitarian pressures. The Commission also outlined its role in monitoring, documentation, and engagement with international mechanisms.
The discussion further included an in-depth exchange on DCAF’s experience in working with independent oversight bodies, drawing on comparative experiences from Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe. DCAF presented practical models for strengthening oversight institutions, enhancing their independence, and improving accountability within the security sector. The exchange highlighted lessons learned in institutional capacity-building, monitoring of places of detention, coordination between oversight bodies and security institutions, and the use of evidence-based approaches and international standards to promote transparency and accountability.
In this context, the Commission also presented progress in the implementation of a joint project in Lebanon funded by the Government of Norway, aimed at strengthening prison monitoring and providing legal assistance to detainees. As part of this initiative, the Commission has launched a mechanism to facilitate the submission of release requests in accordance with Article 108 of the Lebanese Code of Criminal Procedure, with the objective of reducing overcrowding and ensuring respect for legal safeguards for detainees.
The two sides also explored opportunities for developing joint initiatives, including cooperation in training and capacity-building, development of institutional tools, and regional collaboration, notably through the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions.
About DCAF:
The Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) is an international foundation established in 2000 under Swiss law, dedicated to supporting states and international actors in improving security sector governance and reform. It provides advisory support, develops policy frameworks and practical tools, and promotes international standards and best practices. DCAF works in partnership with organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and other international actors to strengthen accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in the security sector.
Both parties reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation to support institutional reform, strengthen good governance in the security sector, and promote respect for human rights, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
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