Reporting Human Rights Violations

Reporting Human Rights Violations

If you are a victim of a human rights violation, or if you have credible information that another person has been subjected to such a violation, you may seek assistance from the National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (NHRC-CPT).

How Can the NHRC-CPT Help?

If you wish to submit a complaint, you may do so through the Complaints Commission of the NHRC-CPT.

Pursuant to Law No. 62/2016, the NHRC-CPT is mandated to monitor the human rights situation and the implementation of international humanitarian law in Lebanon. This mandate includes receiving, reviewing, and handling complaints concerning violations of rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Lebanese Constitution, domestic legislation, and Lebanon’s obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

The NHRC-CPT performs protection-related functions that constitute a core component of the responsibilities of national human rights institutions under the Paris Principles.

These functions include receiving and investigating complaints, facilitating negotiation and mediation, and seeking remedies through the Public Prosecution Office or the competent courts.

Complaints Commission and Specialized Committees

To facilitate the reception and follow-up of complaints, the NHRC-CPT has established a Complaints Commission pursuant to its Bylaws. In addition, three permanent committees, alongside the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, have been entrusted with the authority to receive and address complaints:

Grievance Committee for Child Victims of Child Rights Violations
Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Anti-Human Trafficking Committee

The Committee for the Prevention of Torture may also receive complaints during its visits to places of detention and other places where persons are deprived of their liberty. Such complaints are handled in accordance with the procedures outlined in the relevant section of this guide.

However, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture does not receive, process, or follow up on complaints outside the framework of its visits to places of detention and other places of deprivation of liberty.

Complaints Help Us Stand Up Against Human Rights Violations

Submitting a complaint regarding an alleged human rights violation initiates a process through which allegations can be properly examined and addressed by the competent mechanism.

Through these procedures, individuals, communities, and organizations are empowered to seek the prevention, cessation, investigation, and remedy of human rights violations.

Taking Action

By filing a complaint concerning an alleged human rights violation, you help ensure that public authorities and other duty bearers, including businesses and intergovernmental organizations, are held accountable and that concrete measures are taken to address and prevent such violations.

Bringing Perpetrators to Account

A complaint can trigger investigations into alleged violations, facilitate accountability for those responsible, and contribute to securing effective remedies for victims.

Giving Meaning to Human Rights

When individual cases are examined and human rights standards are applied to real-life situations, international human rights norms that may otherwise appear abstract become practical and meaningful protections for individuals and communities.

Do You Have a Complaint or Information About a Human Rights Violation?

You may contact the Complaints Commission of the NHRC-CPT to request assistance, submit information, or seek follow-up regarding a human rights concern.

Submit a Complaint

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