The National Human Rights Commission of Lebanon (NHRC), including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, opening a new chapter of institutional cooperation aimed at advancing the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Memorandum was signed by Dr. Fadi Gerges, President of the National Human Rights Commission of Lebanon, and Ms. Yana Lantratova, High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum (SPILF) 2026, one of the world’s leading gatherings of legal and judicial experts.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two national human rights institutions, focusing on the exchange of expertise, strengthening complaint-handling mechanisms, promoting human rights education, and enhancing dialogue on the implementation of international human rights standards.
Under the Memorandum, the two institutions will cooperate through the exchange of information, studies, and best practices, organize joint conferences, seminars and training programmes, share experiences in monitoring and complaint procedures, and support awareness-raising initiatives that contribute to strengthening respect for human rights in both countries.
The cooperation framework also provides for institutional coordination regarding complaints submitted by citizens of either country. Subject to the informed consent of the complainant and applicable domestic legislation, complaints may be transmitted to the competent institution in the other State for consideration within its legal mandate.
Commenting on the signing, Dr. Fadi Gerges said:
“Human rights institutions have an important responsibility to build bridges of dialogue and cooperation across borders. This Memorandum reflects our shared commitment to exchanging expertise, strengthening institutional capacities, and promoting the universal values of human dignity, justice, and the rule of law while fully respecting the independence of each institution.”
The Memorandum reaffirms the independence of both institutions and their commitment to the United Nations Paris Principles, ensuring that cooperation complements—rather than affects—their respective constitutional and legal mandates.
The agreement will remain in force for an initial period of five years, with automatic renewal unless either Party decides otherwise.
The signing took place during the 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, held from 24 to 26 June 2026 at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Forum brings together senior government officials, judges, legal scholars, ombudspersons, business leaders, and international organizations to discuss contemporary legal challenges, international cooperation, and the future development of the rule of law.
The National Human Rights Commission considers this Memorandum an important step toward expanding international partnerships among national human rights institutions and fostering constructive cooperation in line with international human rights standards, mutual respect, and institutional independence.
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