Awareness
Raise awareness about human rights issues worldwide especially Lebanon by providing informative and engaging content.
Legal Assistance
The Center provides legal assistance to victims of torture and enforced disappearance, migrants and refugees.
Rehabilitation Victims of Torture
The center provides medical consultations, psychological and physical treatment to victims of torture in Lebanon.
Case Study
Moaz Mourab: From the "Human Slaughterhouse" to the Kitchen… A Story of Returning to Life Through Hope
01/07/2025
Introduction
One day in 2024, a taxi stopped on the outskirts of Tripoli, northern Lebanon. Out stepped a weary man in his fifties, his face drawn, his eyes drifting between a haunting past and an unfamiliar present. This was Moaz Mourab, returning to his hometown after 18 years spent in Syrian prisons—years of torture and solitary confinement, without trial, without a documented charge, arrested simply for crossing from Iraq to Lebanon during a politically turbulent time.
“All I wanted when I got out of prison after the regime fell was to run and kiss the asphalt.”
Case Study: Restricting Legal Speech - The Implications of the Tripoli Bar Association’s Circular on Freedom of Expression and the Independence of the Legal Profession
09/05/2025
Introduction:
On 6 May 2025, the Tripoli Bar Association in Lebanon issued a circular addressed to all lawyers registered under its jurisdiction. The circular reminded lawyers of the obligation to abstain from any media appearances or public statements without prior authorization from the President of the Bar, invoking Article 39 of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. It also warned lawyers against making any public criticism of the judiciary or security forces, threatening disciplinary consequences for violations.
The Cedar Rehabilitation Center Opens Its Doors: From the Wounds of Torture to Healing – Case X between Pain and Support
08/05/2025
Background:
In early 2025, the parents of Case VTC(X) turned to the Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture in Tripoli, operated by the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS). Their son was in detention and reportedly subjected to acts of torture falling under the definition in Article 1 of Law No. 65/2017. While Article 1(c) of the Anti-Torture Law states that rehabilitation may be ordered by the court, no such judicial decision has been made in this case yet. Nonetheless, Cedar Centre provided holistic psychosocial and legal support to the family, recognizing that the absence of a court order should not be a barrier to urgently needed care.
Advocacy
Lebanon: Seven Years of Enacting a Torture Law without Effective Implementation
26 June 2025
On the occasion of 26 June, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture- which symbolizes the global commitment to ending the practice of torture and other ill-treatment- we, the undersigned organizations, express our deep concern over the ongoing impunity for the crime of torture in Lebanon and the lack of effective implementation of the Anti-Torture Law enacted in 2017.
Despite Lebanon’s accession to the United Nations Convention against Torture (CAT) in 2000, along with its Optional Protocol in 2008, and its enactment of Law No. 65/2017, practical steps to ensure the prevention of torture and other ill-treatment and hold perpetrators accountable remain very limited.
Urgent Appeal for the Immediate Release of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
10 April 2025
To:
- Right Honourable David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary
- Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union
Dear Esteemed Officials,
We, the undersigned organizations, write to express our deep concern and call for your urgent intervention regarding the ongoing detention of renowned poet and democratic advocate Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who was forcibly extradited and has been in enforced disappearance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since January 8, 2025.
In Solidarity with Daraj and Megaphone Amid A Coordinated Campaign
26 March 2025
In light of the coordinated campaign targeting Lebanese independent media outlets Daraj and Megaphone, we, the undersigned group of civil society and media organizations from Lebanon and around the world, come together to stand in solidarity against attempts to silence these leading voices. We call on the relevant Lebanese authorities to take clear steps in the face of these defamatory and alarming actions.
Earlier this month, Daraj and Megaphone learned via an article published by Lebanese television channel MTV that a new legal complaint was allegedly being brought against them before the Public Prosecutor’s Office, a complaint that both Daraj and Megaphone have yet to be officially notified of or served with.
Publication & Activities
On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: Calls for Accountability in Lebanon
26 June 2025
Beirut – Lebanon
In the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which held each year on 26 June, the Cedar Center for Legal Studies hosted a roundtable event. Participants included representatives from legal and human rights organizations, judicial and academic institutions, professional syndicates, members of parliament, as well as delegations from international organizations and UN agencies. The gathering aimed to reaffirm Lebanon’s commitment to combating torture and ensuring justice for victims.
Lawyer Mohammed Sablouh's testimony on the condition of Syrian prisons under the Assad regime
12/05/2025
On the occasion of the 150th day since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies publishes this testimony, documenting the testimony of lawyer Mohammed Sablouh, Director of the Legal Program at the Centre, following his visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, from 23 to 27 December 2024, as part of a human rights delegation. The visit granted him access to several notorious detention centers and prisons.
The primary goals of the visit were to observe the conditions of detention and to follow up on the cases of forcibly disappeared individuals, while documenting the dire circumstances inside Syrian prisons.
Cedar Centre for Legal Studies — Quarterly Newsletter (December 2024 – April 2025)
30/04/2025
This quarterly newsletter highlights the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies’ continued efforts in defending human rights, promoting justice, and supporting victims of torture and violations across Lebanon and beyond.
One of the most significant milestones during this period was the official launch of the Tripoli CCLS Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture. Located in North Lebanon, the Centre provides a safe and comprehensive space for survivors of torture and ill-treatment. It offers a multidisciplinary range of services including medical consultations, physiotherapy, psychological support, legal assistance, and access to essential treatments — all tailored to support the physical, emotional, and social recovery of victims through a survivor-centered approach.
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.
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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.
