Awareness
Raise awareness about human rights issues worldwide especially Lebanon by providing informative and engaging content.
Networking
Facilitate connections among human rights activists, organizations, and advocates to foster collaboration and synergy.
Capacity Building
Empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for human rights.
Case Study
Harassment against Attorney Mohammad Sablouh
21/08/2024
Background
Mohammad Sablouh is a Lebanese attorney and human rights defender. He currently heads the Legal Support Program at Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS), consisting of six attorneys. Mr. Sablouh has been actively involved in documenting cases and legally assisting victims of torture, arbitrary detention, and Syrian refugees facing deportation. His work focuses on defending human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Lebanon. Since 2021, Mohammad Sablouh has faced escalating harassment and legal challenges due to his human rights work.
The Disappearance of M.A after Entering Lebanon
15/07/2024
Introduction
M.A is a Syrian national woman born in 2002 in Homs, Syria. She is resided in Azaz, an area under opposition control in northwest Syria. On April 29, 2024, she entered Lebanon irregularly with the intention of traveling to Beirut and eventually to another country. Her journey was abruptly interrupted when she was arrested and then detained by Lebanese Security forces. This case study examines the timeline of events, the legal framework, and the human rights violations involved in her disappearance.
The Enforced Disappearance of Mr. Abedullah Al Zohouri
08/07/2024
Introduction
Mr. Abedullah Al Zohouri is a Syrian, born in 1983 in Al-Qusayr, Homs Governorate. He served as a captain in the Syrian Army. In 2012, he defected from the Syrian regime amidst the ongoing conflict. Seeking safety, he fled Syria with his family in 2013 and entered Lebanon, where they took refuge in a camp in Arsal, located in the northeast of Beirut, Baalbek-Hermel Governorate.
Advocacy
Joint NGO Letter to UN Member States on the situation in Lebanon: The UN Human Rights Council should urgently convene a special session to establish an international investigative mechanism
6 November 2024
Beirut, Lebanon – Today, the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS) joins the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) and 18 other prominent NGOs in calling on the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council to urgently convene a special session to address the alarming escalation of human rights abuses and humanitarian crises in Lebanon.
Enforced Disappearances in Lebanon: A Call for Justice and Accountability
30 August 2024
On the UN International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS) firmly addresses the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in Lebanon and their devastating impact on victims and their families.
Context and International Efforts
During the civil war between 1975 and 1990, Lebanon endured fifteen years of conflict involving the various militias, foreign forces, and their local proxies. Enforced disappearances were widespread during this period, especially in the early years of the wars, where kidnappings and abductions often resulted in the disappearance of victims.
Stop the violence against Syrian refugees! 17 civil society organisations condemn the recent escalations against Syrians in Turkey and call for protection
10 July 2024
Since the night of 30 June 2024, Turkey has witnessed yet another wave of mass violent attacks against Syrian refugees, including the tragic murder of a 17-year-old Syrian and assaults on properties, homes, and shops belonging to refugees. The violence began in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri, where refugees’ homes were set on fire, vehicles were vandalised and burned, and shops were looted and damaged, all amidst anti-refugee and racist slogans.
Publication & Activities
Cedar Centre for Legal Studies Hosts Roundtable on Refugee and Victims of Torture
28/06/2024
On 25 June 2024, the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS) convened a significant roundtable discussion titled “Toward Access to Human Rights for Refugees and Victims of Torture” to mark the United Nations’ World Refugee Day on June 20 and the International Day for Victims of Torture on June 25. The event brought together experts, academics, judiciary members, attorneys, representative of the National Human Rights Commission, representatives of the international and national associations and refugees to highlight pressing human rights issues in Lebanon and propose actionable solutions. The event was supported by TDH (Deutschland) and Medico International.
Study: Prisons in Lebanon Between Rights and Reality
08/04/2024
The study addresses the challenges and problems people are facing in prisons and detention centres in Lebanon. The study conducted and published by Cedar Centre for Legal Studies presents the reality of prisons in Lebanon in light of the current, political, economic and health crisis. The study raises the question if there are political measures to protect detainees and prisoners in light of these crises. Prisons, in general, are significant places for diseases, especially infectious diseases, due to the high prevalence of risk factors for infection and actual infection…
Event of 06 Feb 2024: CommemorAction for the Dead, Missing, and Forcefully Disappeared at Sea and the Borders
07/02/2024
Yesterday, on the Global Day that marks on 06 February, the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS) in Tripoli organized an event together with relatives of the dead, missing and forcefully disappeared at Sea and at the Borders. This event, which was held in Safadi Cultural Centre, was organised as well with survivors of shipwrecks, researchers, activists and lawyers. The Global Day of CommemorAction is 6 February because 10 years ago, on 6 February 2014, several hundred people were attacked…
Who we are ?
Our goal is to promote a legal culture and civic engagement in Lebanon
Cedar Center for Legal Studies is a civil, non-profit company, established in Lebanon in 2013 and registered with No. 609. It is an independent, non-sectarian center and is not affiliated with any political parties. It is concerned with spreading the culture of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
250
Legal consultation
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Legal assistance
40
Reported to UN bodies
Our Activity
Unveiling Human Rights Realities
Embark on a journey of exploration and understanding as we delve into comprehensive studies and research initiatives dedicated to unraveling the complexities surrounding human rights. Our commitment lies in dissecting critical topics, examining policies, and engaging with communities to unearth insights that pave the way for informed advocacy, policy reform, and lasting societal impact. Join us at the forefront of knowledge creation, where every study becomes a catalyst for positive change in the realm of human rights.
Human Rights Impact Assessment
Conduct comprehensive studies to assess the impact of policies, legislation, or societal changes on human rights.
- Design and implement surveys to gather data on the ground, considering diverse perspectives.
- Analyze the collected data to identify potential human rights violations or positive impacts.
- Publish reports with actionable recommendations to guide policymakers, organizations, and advocacy efforts.
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Legal Empowerment Research Project
Analyze the collected data to identify potential human rights violations or positive impacts.
- Publish reports with actionable recommendations to guide policymakers, organizations, and advocacy efforts.
- Investigate and promote legal empowerment strategies that enhance individuals' understanding and exercise of their human rights.
- Examine existing legal frameworks and identify gaps or barriers to access justice.
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Technology and Human Rights Innovation Lab
Explore the intersection of technology and human rights, researching innovative solutions to address emerging challenges.
- investigate the impact of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, blockchain) on human rights.
- Collaborate with tech experts, human rights activists, and policymakers to brainstorm and develop ethical tech solutions.
- Publish findings, guidelines, and best practices to ensure responsible and rights-respecting technology development and deployment.
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FAQs !
Have A Questions?
How can individuals or organizations contribute to or participate in your research initiatives?
- A: We encourage collaboration! Individuals and organizations can contribute by sharing their experiences, participating in surveys, or joining focus group discussions. Additionally, partnerships with like-minded entities amplify the impact of our collective efforts in advancing human rights research.
How do you address ethical considerations in your research processes?
- A: Ethical considerations are paramount in our research. We adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring informed consent, privacy protection, and respectful engagement. Our commitment to ethical standards guarantees the integrity and reliability of our research outcomes.
Why is research crucial for advancing human rights causes?
- A: Research serves as the backbone of evidence-based advocacy, offering insights into the real-world impact of policies and practices on human rights. It empowers advocates, policymakers, and communities with the knowledge needed to drive positive change.
How does your organization ensure inclusivity and diverse perspectives in human rights studies?
- A: We prioritize inclusivity by actively engaging with diverse communities, conducting surveys and interviews that capture a broad range of perspectives. Our commitment to representing marginalized voices ensures a comprehensive understanding of human rights challenges.
- b: Ethical considerations are paramount in our research. We adhere to strict research outcomes.
