His Excellency the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun, received at Baabda Palace Mr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary-General of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, and Dr. Fadi Gerges, President of the National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture. The meeting focused on the human rights situation in Lebanon and the role of national institutions in reinforcing protection, oversight, and accountability mechanisms amid ongoing political, economic, and social challenges.
During the meeting, a comprehensive overview was presented on the mandate and activities of the National Human Rights Commission, as established under Lebanese law and in line with international standards. Discussions covered the Commission’s work in monitoring human rights conditions, examining complaints, conducting visits to places of detention, promoting a culture of human rights, and strengthening cooperation with state institutions, civil society, and international partners.
The discussions also addressed the role of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions in supporting and strengthening the independence of national institutions across the region, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and enhancing institutional capacities in accordance with the Paris Principles and internationally recognized standards.
President Aoun reaffirmed his firm commitment to supporting the National Human Rights Commission and ensuring that it receives the necessary administrative, financial, and legislative backing to effectively carry out its mandate. He emphasized that strengthening the Commission’s independence and operational capacity is essential to safeguarding public rights and freedoms in Lebanon.
The President stressed that respect for human rights and the rule of law constitute a fundamental pillar for building a just and capable state, and that empowering independent national institutions forms an integral part of Lebanon’s broader reform process and efforts to restore public trust in state institutions.
For his part, Mr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali expressed appreciation for the President’s support and engagement, underscoring the importance of such commitment in enhancing Lebanon’s standing within regional and international human rights frameworks, and in enabling the Commission to operate in full compliance with professional and independence standards.
Dr. Fadi Gerges presented the Commission’s priorities for the upcoming period, outlining key challenges faced in light of the country’s compounded crises. He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to protecting human dignity, combating torture and other violations, promoting transparency and accountability, and serving all individuals whose rights may be at risk.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the Presidency of the Republic, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Arab Network, with a view to consolidating a sustainable human rights culture in Lebanon and reinforcing the country’s commitment to its international obligations.
The National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, considers this meeting a significant and positive step toward strengthening its institutional independence and national role, reflecting a clear political will to support the human rights system in Lebanon.
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