The National Human Rights Commission, which includes the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, presented its draft budget for 2026 to the Parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee. The Commission emphasized the necessity of approving the budget in full, as submitted, and expressed its rejection of the Ministry of Finance’s proposal to cut the figures by 50%.
During the session, the Commission’s Treasurer and Complaints Commissioner, Ali Youssef, stressed that the proposed budget represents the minimum necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its duties effectively and independently, particularly given the national and international responsibilities it bears. He asserted that passing the budget in full is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the Commission, noting that its preparation took into account the current financial and economic conditions and sought to strike a careful balance between these circumstances and the minimum requirements needed to activate its work.
The Commission also raised concerns about the failure to fulfill commitments to operationalize its work as stipulated by its founding law, particularly regarding the approval of compensation for its members that reflects the scale of their duties, responsibilities, and required expertise, and aligns with compensation practices in similar bodies. It stressed that such compensation is a fundamental component in ensuring competence and independence—two essential pillars of the Commission’s operations—enabling it to fulfill its national role and meet international requirements, especially in maintaining its “A” status accreditation with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.
Most members of the Finance and Budget Committee expressed understanding of the Commission’s demands, and there was a preliminary agreement to increase its budget according to the proposed figures, by reallocating the required funds from the budget reserves. This matter will be further discussed during the review of reserve allocations.
In conclusion, the Commission thanked the Finance and Budget Committee for understanding the data and needs presented, and it welcomed the long-awaited issuance of its financial and internal regulations after nearly seven years of delay. It also emphasized the urgent need to issue the compensation decree based on the stated principles, in accordance with the provisions of the law and the commitments of the Lebanese state, which would help enhance Lebanon’s standing and remove it from international blacklists and watchlists.
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