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Lebanon: Fundamental Human Rights Must Be Protected

Human Rights Research Center

Author: Aisha Noor

January 31, 2025


Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam [Image credit: AP News/Hassan Ammar]
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam [Image credit: AP News/Hassan Ammar]
HRRC condemns the current human rights infringements in Lebanon, including limiting access to healthcare, education, and housing. We call upon Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam to protect its citizens’ rights, ensure their well-being, and establish and maintain a fair judicial process.

The current political, economic, and social challenges in Lebanon have worsened due to the continuing violations of fundamental rights. The deteriorating situation derives from an expansive environment where there are no legal consequences for wrongful and harmful actions. For example, people whose rights were violated during the 2020 Beirut port explosion and those who are reported victims of war crimes are denied access to justice as promised under Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It is critical the new government create an independent judiciary which will implement processes to ensure accountability, stopping the practice of immunity for those responsible for offenses.


Currently facing a devastating economic crisis, the Lebanese government further exacerbates the suffering of its people by breaching their economic, social, and cultural rights. Under Article 25 of the UDHR, Lebanon has a responsibility to provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing for its citizens. Yet, the government hasn’t implemented or guaranteed transparent, clean reconstruction operations, especially within the war-ravaged communities alongside the Port.


Lebanon also continues its restrictions on freedom of expression, violating Article 19 of UDHR, as this Article establishes fundamental rights to maintain freedom of opinion and expression. This includes the persecution of journalists and activists through harassment and censorship.


The government should commit to protecting all of its citizens, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.


 

Glossary


  • Accountability – The obligation of individuals, particularly those in positions of power, to answer for their actions and be held responsible for any violations of law or rights.

  • Deteriorate – To become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition.

  • Discrimination – Unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or nationality.

  • Freedom of Expression – The right of individuals to express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retaliation, as outlined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

  • Fundamental – Serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function.

  • Harassment – To create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct.

  • Human Rights and Humanitarian Law – A set of legal standards that protect individuals during conflicts and under normal circumstances, ensuring their basic rights are upheld regardless of circumstances.

  • Human Rights Violations – Any action or policy that infringes upon the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, often in violation of national or international law.

  • Infringement – To encroach (advance beyond the usual or proper limits) upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another.

  • Judicial – Of or relating to a judgment, the function of judging, the administration of justice, or the judiciary.

  • Judiciary – A system of courts of law.

  • Persecute – To harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict;

    specifically to cause to suffer because of belief.

  • Ravage – An action taken to destroy or damage.

  • Reconstruction – The process of rebuilding or restoring infrastructure, homes, and public services after a war or disaster, including economic recovery efforts.

  • Social and Economic Rights – Basic rights related to individuals’ well-being, including the right to healthcare, education, housing, and an adequate standard of living.

  • Socioeconomic Status – Describes a person's social standing based on their income, education, and occupation.

  • Transparency – The principle of openness and clarity in governance, particularly regarding decision-making, financial transactions, and the management of public resources.

  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – A foundational international document adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlining a set of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled

  • War Crimes – Violations of the laws of war, which may include targeting civilians, using prohibited weapons, or committing atrocities against prisoners of war, as defined by international law.


 

Sources


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