Embargoed until: 26/06/2010

International Day for the Support of the Victims of Torture

On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we would like to call on the Government of Lebanon to demonstrate their firm opposition to torture and other forms of ill-treatment; to condemn these practices unreservedly; and to make clear to all members of the security forces that torture and ill-treatment are not tolerated.

Beirut, Lebanon – June 26, 2010

On 26 June, 1987 the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Punishment came into force.

On this day, we stand united to show solidarity, to support and to speak on behalf of those who suffered the inconceivable and whose voice is not heard.

Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are violations of human rights, condemned by the international community as an offence to human dignity and prohibited in all circumstances under international and customary law.

In Lebanon, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are still resorted to by state security officers and non-state actors; as reported cases reveal. Although Lebanon is party to relevant international treaties, Lebanese domestic laws fail to prohibit torture. Neither the Lebanese Constitution, nor the Criminal Procedures Law, nor Criminal Law reflects the international definition of torture.

Even more appalling is the failure of the state to investigate reported cases, to protect victims, and to prosecute perpetrators.

We appeal to the Government of Lebanon to incorporate the main provisions of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UN CAT) and other relevant international standards into the national legislation and to ensure their enforcement.

We urge the Government to comply with its obligations under international law and to set up a national mechanism to prevent torture according to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) ratified by Lebanon in 2008. Under this protocol, the Lebanese Government had one year to set up a mechanism to prevent torture through regular visits to the country's detention centers but Lebanon has missed its deadline.

Act for Human Rights: Stand up against Torture!

ALEF- Act for Human Rights

Lebanese Center for Human Rights - C.L.D.H

Alkarama Foundation (ALK)
Khiam Rehabilitation Centre – KRC

Restart Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture- Restart Center

Frontiers Ruwad Association- Frontiers

Amnesty International- AI

For further information contact:

Darine EL Hage, ALEF Executive Director

Phone Numbers: +961 5 952892; +961 5 458854

Email address: alef@alefliban.org