United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Sigrid Kaag, and Regional Representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Abdel Salam Sidahmed, welcome Lebanon’s review under the Committee Against Torture (CAT) and its concluding observations that were issued yesterday.

“Lebanon’s submission of its first state report to the CAT is an important step towards meeting its human rights obligations. Progress in recent months, including the adoption of legislation on the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission gives me hope for further progress,” said Special Coordinator Kaag.

In turn, Mr. Sidahmed said: “We are happy with Lebanon’s increased engagement with human rights international system, and we look forward to additional steps for the eradication of Torture in Lebanon in compliance with the provisions under the CAT. The concluding observations as part of the review process provide a concrete roadmap.”

The findings of the Committee Against Torture highlighted the need for Lebanon to introduce a law criminalizing torture as a serious human rights violation and additional measures to eradicate immunity and impunity of perpetrators. The Committee delineated the absolute prohibition under CAT for extraditing individuals from Lebanon to countries where they may face torture. In addition, it urged the swift formation of an independent National Human Rights Commission according to Paris Principles, as per Lebanon’s commitments under the CAT and its recently adopted legislation.

The United Nations, with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the lead, will continue to support and assist Lebanon in its efforts to uphold human rights.