{"id":3624,"date":"2025-11-06T06:58:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T06:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhrclb.org\/archives\/3624"},"modified":"2025-11-06T07:17:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T07:17:56","slug":"%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%87%d9%8a%d8%a6%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%88%d8%b7%d9%86%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%84%d8%ad%d9%82%d9%88%d9%82-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a5%d9%86%d8%b3%d8%a7%d9%86-%d8%aa%d9%8f%d8%b5%d8%af%d8%b1-%d8%b1%d8%a3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nhrclb.org\/en\/archives\/3624","title":{"rendered":"NHRC-CPT issues its opinion on the draft law “The Right to Food and the Establishment of the National Council for Food Systems.”"},"content":{"rendered":"

The National Human Rights Commission, which includes the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, has issued its legal opinion<\/a> on the draft law submitted by MP Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine concerning \u201cThe Right to Food and the Establishment of the National Council for Food Systems,\u201d<\/a> considering it a foundational step in transforming economic and social rights from theoretical principles into measurable and accountable legal obligations.<\/p>\n

The Commission affirmed that the proposed bill aligns with the Lebanese Constitution and international agreements, particularly the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It also strengthens Lebanon\u2019s commitment to achieving the right to adequate and sustainable food within the framework of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n

The Commission praised the establishment of the National Council for Food Systems as an institutional addition that brings together the concerned ministries, independent bodies, and civil society. It also emphasized the need to update the membership of public institutions mentioned in the proposal to align with the existing administrative structure.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the Commission welcomed the creation of a permanent committee within the National Human Rights Commission to protect the right to food, considering this measure as a reinforcement of the principles of independent oversight, transparency, and accountability. It also supports the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, the Commission recommended ensuring the financial and administrative independence of the Committee for the Protection of the Right to Food, involving civil society and farmers in decision-making processes, harmonizing definitions with international standards, and integrating food and environmental education into school curricula.<\/p>\n

Opinion of the NHRC-CPT on the Draft Law \u201cThe Right to Food and the Establishment of the National Council for Food Systems\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

First: Facts & Procedures<\/strong>
Her Excellency MP Dr. MP Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine <\/a> submitted a draft law entitled \u201cThe Right to Food and the Establishment of the National Council for Food Systems\u201d on 26 February 2024. The proposal was referred to the Committees of Administration and Justice; Environment; National Economy, Trade, Industry & Planning; Public Health; Labour; Social Affairs; Agriculture and Tourism. It was also referred to the Government on the same date.
Subsequently, the Secretariat\u2011General of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers referred the draft to the National Human Rights Commission (which includes the Committee for the Prevention of Torture) for issuing its legal opinion, in accordance with Article\u202f15 of Law No.\u202f62\/2016.<\/p>\n

The Commission considers that the draft law constitutes a foundational step in the process of converting economic and social rights from theoretical principles into measurable and accountable legal obligations. It further views this project as a model for the integration of human rights, sustainable development and public policy, and enhances Lebanon\u2019s position in its international commitment to the right to adequate and sustainable food.<\/p>\n

Second: Legal Basis for the Commission\u2019s Competence<\/strong>
Pursuant to Law No.\u202f62\/2016, the National Human Rights Commission is competent to:<\/p>\n