The National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, and DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance signed a Memorandum of Understanding today at the Commission’s headquarters in Beirut to strengthen institutional cooperation in monitoring places of detention, prison reform, and protecting the rights of persons deprived of their liberty.
The memorandum was signed by the Commission’s President, Dr. Fadi Gerges, and DCAF’s Head of Office in Lebanon, Adam Styp-Rekowski, in the presence of DCAF Programme Manager Nadine Mehanna and Project Manager Elissar Azzam.
Representing the Commission were Secretary-General Dr. Rana Al-Jammal, a lawyer; Commissioner for Studies, Education and Development Brigadier General Professor Fadl Daher; Treasurer and Commissioner for Complaints Ali Youssef; Commissioner for International Relations Bassam Al Kantar; lawyers contracted by the Commission Nicole Ghanem and Naila Nahle; and Commission investigators Michel Fares and Elena Ibrahim.
The memorandum establishes a framework for expanding the existing cooperation between the two institutions, supporting efforts to improve detention conditions, reduce prison overcrowding, strengthen accountability and respect for human rights, and enhance coordination among relevant justice and security sector stakeholders, within their respective mandates and institutional responsibilities.
Cooperation will include strengthening the Commission’s capacity in monitoring, documentation, reporting and follow-up; providing technical expertise and advisory support; and organising training courses, workshops and consultations. It will also cover research, assessments and policy papers, the exchange of experience and good practices, and stronger dialogue with public institutions, civil society and academia.
Dr. Fadi Gerges said: “This memorandum represents a practical step towards strengthening the Commission’s ability to fulfil its mandate to protect and promote human rights and prevent torture. We look forward to translating this cooperation into activities that support effective monitoring of places of detention, follow-up on recommendations, and improvements in the conditions of persons deprived of their liberty.”
Adam Styp-Rekowski said: “We are pleased to strengthen our cooperation with the Commission through an institutional framework that enables the exchange of expertise and capacity development. Together, we seek to support detention governance and prison reform based on respect for human rights, accountability and coordination among relevant stakeholders.”
The memorandum affirms the principles of mutual respect, transparency, local ownership and accountability, alongside commitments to confidentiality and personal data protection. It takes effect upon signature and remains valid until 31 March 2028. Joint activities and implementation arrangements will be agreed upon by both parties, subject to available resources.
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