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
Torture to Death: Military Justice Fails to Deliver
05 December 2024
On November 1, 2024, the Beirut military court issued its verdict in the case of Syrian refugee Bashar Abdel Saud, who died as a result of torture during his interrogation at the General Directorate of State Security in Tebnine on August 31, 2022. Nearly two years after his death, the military court presided over by Brigadier General Khalil Jaber, dismissed the charge of torture as a felony crime leading to Saud’s death. Instead, it convicted State Security officers of torture as a misdemeanor that did not result in any physical or mental harm to other prisoners.
Global Coalition of NGOs Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon
14 November 2024
In light of the recent and alarming escalation of indiscriminate and widespread Israeli attacks across Lebanon, we, the undersigned organizations, call on the international community to unequivocally press for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.
Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging cross-border fire since October 2023. For nearly a year, the fighting between the two parties was mostly contained to the border regions of Lebanon and Israel. However, as of mid-September 2024, Israel has significantly escalated its attacks in Lebanon, destroying civilian infrastructure and killing scores of civilians across the country.
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.
Publication & Activities
Syrian Refugees in
Lebanon Between
Discriminatory Policies,
Hate Speech and the “Death Boats”
18/12/2024
Executive Summary
Lebanon does not have a national refugee law and has not ratified the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its annex, the 1967 Protocol. The government’s failure to develop a coherent and realistic approach to asylum and migration has had a particularly destabilising effect. Bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of legal protection, coupled with xenophobic rhetoric, threaten to spark periodic violence and human rights violations, exacerbating the vulnerability of refugees in Lebanon.
Report on Legal Violations in Lebanon: Torture, Enforced Disappearances, and Violations of Detainees’ Rights (September 2023 – May 2024)
10/12/2024
Executive Summary
Lebanon is witnessing a continuous deterioration in the political and economic situation, which has significantly impact on the country legal system and human rights, weakened the role of official institutions, including the judicial system, and contributed to the exacerbation of human rights violations, especially with regard to torture, enforced disappearances, and detainees’ rights.
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.
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
150
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.
- View Detail
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.
- View Detail
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.
- View Detail
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.
