MethodologyThis report is based on research conducted in Lebanon between March 23 and June 14, 2007. Human Rights Watch conducted 72 in-depth interviews with Iraqi refugees. Human Rights Watch sought to interview Iraqi Christians, Shi`a, and Sunnis in roughly the same proportion as their overall numbers in Lebanon. Most interviews (43) were conducted in greater Beirut because that is where the vast majority of Iraqi refugees live. Most interviews with Shi`a Iraqis took place in the southern suburbs of Beirut, and most interviews with Iraqi Christians occurred in east Beirut. It was harder to find Iraqi Sunnis because they seemed to have less organized community structures. Human Rights Watch also conducted six interviews in Baalbek, three in Rmeileh, two in Saida, and one in Tyre. A total of 17 interviews were conducted with Iraqi refugees in prison: 12 in Roumieh prison in Greater Beirut, and five in the General Security prison. Human Rights Watch conducted a further 27 interviews with government officials, staff members of UNHCR, IOM, local and international NGOs, and faith-based organizations. Human Rights Watch did not publish in this report the names of Iraqi refugees who were interviewed because their presence in Lebanon is illegal and the disclosure of their identity might expose them to adverse consequences. |