Overview

The armed conflict between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah claimed thousands of lives and had a devastating impact on civilians in Lebanon. Israeli forces carried out violations of international humanitarian law, including indiscriminate attacks and direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects. Hezbollah also repeatedly launched unguided rockets into northern Israel in violation of international humanitarian law. The Lebanese government failed to fully guarantee the right to social security, despite some positive reforms. Many buildings failed to meet minimum safety standards and people were killed when residential buildings collapsed. Journalists and government critics were harassed and intimidated by public officials using criminal defamation laws. A declaration accepting the ICC’s jurisdiction in Lebanon was swiftly withdrawn by the government, and an investigation into the Beirut Port explosion in 2020 remained suspended. The authorities increased pressure on Syrian refugees to leave the country. Women continued to face discrimination in law and practice.