The National Human Rights Commission of Lebanon, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, has concluded an official visit to Geneva, marking an important step in strengthening its international engagement and advancing its accreditation process with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). The visit coincided with the Commission’s participation in the 2026 GANHRI General Assembly and Annual Conference, providing an opportunity to engage in high-level global discussions on the role of national human rights institutions and their compliance with the Paris Principles.
The Commission’s delegation included Mr. Fadi Gerges, President of the Commission, and Mr. Bassam Al Kantar, Commissioner for International Relations and Information. On the margins of the General Assembly and Annual Conference, the delegation held a series of official and technical meetings at Palais Wilson, headquarters of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The delegation met with Mr. Mohammad Nassar, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Section at OHCHR, where discussions focused on the Commission’s role in Lebanon since the escalation of the conflict, particularly in monitoring, documentation, detention oversight, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. The meeting also explored avenues for strengthening cooperation between the Commission and OHCHR regional offices.
In addition, the delegation held a technical meeting with the OHCHR National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section, with the participation of Ms. Cynthia Radert, Deputy Chief of the Section, and Mr. Johnny Baryougar White, Human Rights Officer. Discussions addressed the procedural and technical aspects of the Commission’s accreditation process before the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), including timelines, legal and institutional requirements, and key technical recommendations to be addressed prior to the review, in line with the Paris Principles and international best practices.
The Commission had formally submitted its application for accreditation to GANHRI in November 2025, marking a significant milestone toward consolidating its independence and strengthening its mandate in monitoring, accountability, prevention of torture, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Obtaining “A Status” accreditation represents a major achievement, enabling the Commission to fully participate in the work of the Human Rights Council, deliver oral statements under all agenda items, submit official UN documents, engage in interactive dialogues, and nominate candidates to UN Special Procedures.
The SCA is expected to consider the Commission’s application during one of its upcoming sessions, either in November 2026 or March 2027, following the completion of all technical and procedural requirements. The accreditation process also provides an opportunity for civil society organizations to submit parallel reports, contributing to transparency and independent assessment.
The National Human Rights Commission affirms that this visit, combined with its participation in the GANHRI General Assembly and Annual Conference and its engagement with OHCHR, represents a significant step forward in its path toward international accreditation. The Commission reiterates its commitment to completing all necessary legal, institutional, and technical requirements, and to strengthening its role as a key national mechanism for the protection of human rights in Lebanon, promoting accountability, preventing torture, and safeguarding human dignity.
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