The decree implements Article 7 of Law No. 62/2016 and establishes rules on professional conduct, protection, reporting and accountability
The National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (NHRC-CPT), announces the publication of Decree No. 3777 of 7 August 2026, adopting its Code of Ethics, in Issue No. 40 of the Official Gazette on 10 September 2026. The decree completes a part of the Commission’s legal and regulatory framework by setting binding standards of professional conduct and safeguards for the people who interact with the Commission and the Committee.
The decree gives effect to Article 7 of Law No. 62/2016, which requires the Commission to adopt ethical rules binding on its members, employees, workers, representatives of associations and others who cooperate with it in carrying out its mandate. Publication of the decree makes those standards an accessible regulatory reference for daily work, reporting misconduct and disciplinary accountability.
These rules matter beyond the Commission’s internal administration. NHRC-CPT members, staff and partners work with victims of human rights violations, witnesses, complainants, children and people deprived of their liberty. The institution’s credibility depends on how they exercise authority, obtain and protect information, treat individuals and respond to suspected misconduct.
Five chapters covering ethical and institutional responsibilities
Chapter One, General Provisions, sets out the Code’s legislative basis and defines terms used throughout it. These include the persons covered by the rules, places of deprivation of liberty, confidential information, conflicts of interest, and sexual exploitation and abuse. The definitions help establish a common understanding of obligations among people working with the Commission in different capacities.
Chapter Two, Ethical Principles and Obligations, applies the rules to members, staff, contractors and other collaborators. It requires independence, impartiality, integrity, fairness and respect for victims and witnesses. It also assigns supervisors responsibility for promoting an ethical and safe workplace, providing training and responding to reports of misconduct. Its provisions prohibit discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment and bullying.
Chapter Three is devoted entirely to protection from sexual harassment, exploitation, harm and abuse. The Commission considers it a significant precedent among Lebanese regulatory texts for bringing detailed definitions, preventive measures, reporting duties, protection against retaliation and accountability procedures together in one institutional framework. Its attention to unequal power, vulnerability and relationships of authority or trust is particularly relevant to an institution whose work involves people seeking protection or sharing sensitive testimony.
The chapter prohibits sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse; sexual activity with children under 18; exchanging money, employment, goods, services or assistance for sexual benefit; and sexual relationships with beneficiaries of the Commission’s services where there is an inherent imbalance of power. It requires prompt reporting of suspected conduct and the appointment of a coordinator to receive reports. It provides for confidentiality, protection of victims, reporters and witnesses, and disciplinary procedures that respect the rights of defence. Disciplinary action does not preclude referral of conduct that may constitute a criminal offence to the competent judicial authorities. Preventive requirements also extend to external partners.
Chapter Four, Protection of Vulnerable Groups and Guarantees of Equality and Non-Discrimination, translates ethical principles into requirements across the Commission’s work. It addresses the best interests, privacy and protection of children, as well as fair and accessible treatment of persons with disabilities and others who may face heightened risks. It also sets standards for handling complaints and sources, conducting field visits, protecting personal data and confidential information, using digital tools and artificial intelligence responsibly, managing conflicts of interest, and communicating with other organisations, the media and the public.
Chapter Five, Final Provisions, addresses amendment of the Code and the decree’s entry into force and publication.
The Commission stresses that the Code’s value will be measured by its implementation: informing everyone covered by it of their rights and duties, providing training, establishing clear and safe reporting channels, handling reports promptly and fairly, protecting those affected, and respecting the rights of defence. As Lebanon’s national human rights institution, the NHRC-CPT must uphold in its own work the standards it calls on others to respect.
هذه المقالة متاحة أيضًا بـ:
