• Human Rights in Lebanon

    Reform in Lebanon stagnated in 2011, in part because Lebanon proved mostly immune to the Arab Spring and its widespread popular calls for change. The stagnation was also caused by internal divisions, which prevented progress on draft laws to stop    torture, improve the treatment of migrant domestic workers, and protect women from domestic violence. Women face discrimination under personal status laws, and vulnerable groups are reportedly mistreated or tortured in detention. Lebanese authorities and humanitarian organizations have provided material assistance to the influx of Syrians fleeing their country’s fighting, but needs are increasing. An estimated 300,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon live in appalling social and economic conditions.

  • An Unnecessary Tragedy
    The abuse of Dechasa-Desisa was outrageous and its perpetrator must be held accountable. But the issue here is not just the criminal behavior of a recruiter, but the entire system of recruiting and regulating migrant domestic workers. Dechasa-Desisa’s death was entirely foreseeable and could have been prevented had the Lebanese authorities granted domestic workers their most basic rights.
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Lebanon

  • An Unnecessary Tragedy
    Apr 1, 2012
    The abuse of Dechasa-Desisa was outrageous and its perpetrator must be held accountable. But the issue here is not just the criminal behavior of a recruiter, but the entire system of recruiting and regulating migrant domestic workers. Dechasa-Desisa’s death was entirely foreseeable and could have been prevented had the Lebanese authorities granted domestic workers their most basic rights.
  • Lebanon: Stop Abuse of Domestic Workers
    Mar 23, 2012
    Lebanese authorities should act quickly to reform restrictive visa regulations and adopt a labor law on domestic work to address high levels of abuse and deaths among migrant domestic workers. The government should also announce publicly the outcome of the investigation into the recent abuse and subsequent suicide of Alem Dechasa-Desisa, an Ethiopian domestic worker.
  • Letter to Arab League on Syrian Refugees
    Mar 15, 2012
    Human Rights Watch welcomes the Council of the League of Arab States’ February 12 call on Syria to end all forms of violence against Syrian civilians and to grant access to Arab and international relief organizations to bring humanitarian assistance to affected populations, and respectfully urges the ministers of the LAS Council to adopt a further resolution that calls upon all member states to provide at least temporary asylum to Syrian civilians fleeing conflict and persecution.
  • Syria: Army Planting Banned Landmines
    Mar 13, 2012

    Syrian forces have placed landmines near the borders with Lebanon and Turkey in recent weeks and months, based on reports and confirmations from witnesses and Syrian deminers. Civilian casualties have already resulted, the witnesses said.

  • Stagnating in Stability
    Dec 5, 2011
    I never thought I would say it, but Lebanon was one of the most stable countries in the Middle East this past year. Many commentators and politicians expressed regret that Lebanon failed to capitalize on this to attract capital escaping the tumult of Cairo, Damascus and Tripoli. My regret is that Lebanon failed to use this opportunity to finally push forward reforms essential to make it a fairer and more transparent place.
  • Cluster Bomb Ban Powers Ahead Despite US Absence
    Sep 17, 2011
    The new international convention banning cluster bombs is already having a powerful impact despite the absence of the United States and other major powers.
  • Lebanon: Law Reform Targets ‘Honor’ Crimes
    Aug 11, 2011

    Lebanon’s repeal of a criminal code provision that mitigates sentences for so-called honor crimes is an encouraging step to address gender-based violence. The Lebanese parliament should remove and amend other criminal provisions that discriminate on the basis of gender, and enact a law to protect women from domestic violence.

  • Lebanon: Cease Harassment of Human Rights Activist for Documenting Torture
    Aug 4, 2011
    The Lebanese authorities should immediately cease harassment of Saadeddine Shatila, of the international human rights group Alkarama, for his work documenting torture by security forces, a group of eleven international and local groups said at a news conference today. The groups also criticized an emerging pattern of intimidation against human rights defenders who raise concerns about security agencies. They also called on the Lebanese judicial authorities to investigate the allegations of torture documented by Alkarama.
  • Lebanon: Enact Family Violence Bill to Protect Women
    Jul 6, 2011
    Lebanon’s parliament should adopt a draft law that would specifically criminalize violence against women, Human Rights Watch said today. The bill, which would criminalize physical, mental, and sexual abuse, marital rape, and so-called honor crimes, was approved by the former Council of Ministers on April 6, 2010, and referred to a special parliamentary committee. It has remained there since May 2010, in part because the country was without a government for months.
  • Lebanon: Stop Detaining Syrian Refugees
    May 20, 2011
    Lebanon's security forces should stop detaining Syrian refugees who cross the border into Lebanon to escape violence and persecution in their country. Lebanese authorities should instead provide them with at least temporary asylum, and above all refrain from deporting them back to Syria.
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