In March 2016, the Government of Lebanon submitted its initial Report to the Committee against Torture (CAT) which reviews the situation of torture in Lebanon between 2001 and 2015, a period during which many changes and developments have occurred. Although this report did not contain any substantial observations or significant new information from the Government of Lebanon, we do acknowledge the existence of complex and persistent challenges in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and its Optional Protocol.

However, Lebanese and International human rights organizations have constantly reported on torture practices and ill-treatment to what now constitute a trend of violations with regard to the Convention against Torture. For the time being, the Lebanese state authorities still ineffectively respond to these violations by failing to hold perpetrators accountable, reform national legislations to be in line with the Convention, and provide rehabilitation and guarantees of non-repetition for victims of torture.

Having worked on the issue since its inception, ALEF and other local organizations have highlighted different challenges to the situation of torture in Lebanon. These challenges not only reflect failure to comply, but also illustrate the difficulties to prevent and to respond to acts of torture and ill- treatment.

See ALEF Alternative Report to the CAT: ALEF_CAT_2017_FINAL