The election of a president in Lebanon opens the door to reforms
He said at the beginning of the conference: I returned from Syria yesterday, and I came to this region of the Levant to express my solidarity with the Lebanese and Syrian peoples. I arrived with my heart heavy with sadness due to the accumulated crises that have spanned many decades in both countries, sadness that I have felt repeatedly in this part of the world, but I see signs of new beginnings.
He added: In Lebanon, despite the enormous challenges, I feel that hope is on the horizon. The crucial ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel remains largely holding, although disturbing reports indicate that Israeli forces continue to destroy towns and villages in southern Lebanon. The country’s resilient and courageous people have begun to rebuild their lives, one step at a time.
He continued: In recent days, the two-year political stalemate has been brought to an end, with the election of a new President of the Republic and the appointment of a new Prime Minister, opening the door to reforms that will provide a better future for all Lebanese who have suffered years of social and economic misery.
He said: With the election of this new leadership, there is momentum pushing towards political stability, economic recovery, and the implementation of critical, long-awaited reforms, in order to address the multiple social and economic crises and inequalities that threaten Lebanon. Human rights provide a tool for good governance. This was a powerful message you conveyed.
He added: The country’s active and diverse civil society has publicly highlighted the importance of full respect for freedom of expression and association, in order to combat discrimination on all grounds, improve women’s participation and representation, ensure full gender equality, recognize and integrate persons with disabilities, and ensure the protection of human rights. For the most marginalized and most vulnerable people.
He continued: Respecting human rights requires specific and sustained investment in the rule of law. Lebanon has a long history in the field of law, as it was previously home to a law school that taught and educated students who came from all over the world. It is claimed that a third of Roman laws came from Beirut. The Prime Minister-designate headed the highest judicial body in the world, the International Court of Justice.
He added: In my discussions with the new President and the Prime Minister-designate, I offered to assist our Commission in supporting their commitments in the field of key reforms necessary to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the transparency of its work. Equally important, it is absolutely necessary to reform the justice and prison system in order to address overcrowding and deplorable conditions in prisons to a minimum.
Türk said: I welcome the president’s public commitment to ensuring equality, justice and protection for all and respect for freedoms, freedom of the press and expression. I also took the opportunity to call for the resumption of the independent investigation into the explosion that occurred in the Beirut port in August 2020, which claimed the lives of more than 218 people, injured 7,000 others, including 1,000 children, and caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands. I reiterate that those responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable, and I reiterate the support of our Commission in this regard.
He added: Lebanon is still facing one of the worst economic declines in modern history, with a sharp devaluation of the currency and triple-digit inflation affecting basic needs across the country. According to the World Bank, 44% of the population lives below the poverty line. Nearly 2.5 million people need food assistance, including 1.26 million people facing acute hunger.
He continued: Many public sector services also stopped working, access to health care and education deteriorated, and electricity supplies decreased dramatically. These deprivations have affected the lives of ordinary citizens who no longer have confidence in the state’s ability to fulfill its obligations.
He said: There is a need to renew the social contract that rebuilds the social fabric, restores confidence in state institutions, and provides paths to a dignified future capable of harnessing the potential and abilities of the Lebanese people and realizing their aspirations. I have always witnessed first-hand the richness and creativity of the Lebanese people, especially young women and men, who played a decisive role in pushing for the implementation of the required reforms, and will continue to play a vital role in the future.
He added: The rights of all Lebanese, especially vulnerable groups, must remain entrenched at the core of economic, tax and financial policies. This is what a human rights-based economy means. Budget and investment decisions must give priority to education, health and social protection.
He continued: I express my deep sympathy to the people of Lebanon for their horrific suffering as a result of the recent conflict. Israeli military operations in Lebanon have taken a heavy toll on civilian lives – including the killing of entire families, large-scale displacement and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, raising serious concerns about respect for the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution.
He added: More than 4,000 people were killed, including more than 1,100 women and children, more than 200 health care workers and some journalists, while more than 16,000 people were injured. More than one million people were displaced at the height of the conflict, and more than 160,000 people remain displaced. The ceasefire in Lebanon must turn into lasting peace, and civilians must be able to return to their homes safely.
He concluded: Our Commission remains ready to enhance human rights work and accompany the country as it moves forward in this field.
