• Stagnating in Stability
    Commentary
    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
    Press release
    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
    Press release
    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
    Press release
    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
    Press release
    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
    Press release
    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.
  • Lebanon: Prison Deaths, Injuries Need Independent Investigation
    Press release
    Apr 8, 2011
    Lebanon’s government should order an independent investigation into the deaths of two inmates and injuries to about 45 others on April 6, 2011, in Lebanon’s main prison
  • Lebanon: Reveal Fate of Disappeared Syrians
    Press release
    Mar 9, 2011

    Lebanon should open an independent inquiry into the disappearance of three Syrian brothers more than two weeks ago and make the results public.

  • Lebanon: Permit Departure of Bahraini Opposition Leader
    Press release
    Feb 26, 2011
    Lebanon should reject Bahrain’s politically motivated arrest notice for Bahraini opposition leader Hassan Mushaima and allow him to return home. Lebanese authorities have retained Mushaima’s passport since his arrival in Beirut on February 22, 2011, reportedly on the basis of an Interpol notice filed by Bahrain.
  • Lebanon: Don't Break with the Special Tribunal
    Commentary
    Jan 29, 2011
    Lebanon’s newly appointed prime minister, Najib Mikati, has remained vague on the key issue facing him if he succeeds in forming the next government.