National Human Rights Institution, Lebanon
National Human Rights Institution Lebanon
Law No. 62/2016

What is the National Human Rights Institution? Including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture

Based on the Paris Principles and following recommendations addressed to the Lebanese State by the United Nations Human Rights Council and international treaty bodies, Law No. 62 dated 27 October 2016 established the National Human Rights Institution, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

2016Law adopted
2018Institution established
2019Members took oath
10Independent members

Role of the Institution

The Institution acts as a bridge between civil society and the State, while remaining independent from government.

Monitoring

Monitoring Lebanon’s compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law.

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Complaints

Receiving complaints and reports concerning human rights violations.

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Education

Promoting a human rights culture and developing human rights education programmes.

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International Cooperation

Communicating independently with international and national human rights bodies.

National Human Rights Institutions are funded by the State but remain independent from it.

Key Milestones

2008

Lebanon acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

2016

Law No. 62 was adopted, establishing the National Human Rights Institution.

2018

The Institution was established by Decree No. 3267 dated 19 June 2018.

2019

Members took oath and the Bureau of the Institution was elected.

Committee for the Prevention of Torture

The Committee serves as Lebanon’s National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

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Access to Detention Sites

Entering and visiting all places of deprivation of liberty throughout Lebanon without exception.

Unannounced Visits

Conducting regular or unannounced visits without prior notice or authorization.

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Private Interviews

Carrying out private interviews with persons deprived of liberty without supervision.

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Access to Information

Exercising unrestricted access to information on a confidential basis.

Medical Assessment

Receiving complaints and conducting medical examinations or assessments when needed.

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Recommendations

Cooperating with authorities to improve laws, regulations, and detention conditions.

Members and Responsibilities

Dr. Fadi GergesPresident of the Institution
Judge Khalil Abou RjeiliHead of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Vice-President
Dr. Rana Jammal, LawyerSecretary-General
Mr. Ali YoussefTreasurer and Commissioner for Complaints
Mr. Bassam Al KantarCommissioner for International Relations and Commissioner for Media and Information
Prof. Fadl DaherCommissioner for Studies and Monitoring, and Commissioner for Education and Development

Standing Committees

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International Humanitarian Law

Ensuring respect for international humanitarian law conventions, protocols, and customary rules.

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Children’s Rights

Serving as the national complaints mechanism for children who are victims of violations.

Persons with Disabilities

Protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.

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Combating Trafficking

Combating trafficking in persons and ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses.

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