Cedar Centre For Legal Studies

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

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AbdulHamid Khateeb and the Missing Migrants: A New Case in the Irregular Migration Chapter

11/01/2025

Introduction

On 6 September 2024, at 8:30 PM, AbdulHamid Khateeb, a Syrian residing in Lebanon, departed from Beirut Airport, intending to travel irregularly to Italy via Libya. His journey began with a flight to Cairo Airport, where he had a 12-hour transit, and he then arrived at Mitiga Airport in Libya on 7 September 2024.

After arriving in Benghazi, he stayed in a hotel for one night. The following evening, he took a taxi to Tripoli, reaching the city on 8 September 2024. Abu Khaled (Mohamed Khamis Al-Khidr) later transported him, along with 45 others, to a farm and a residence.

 

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Arrest and Risk of Forced Extradition of Poet Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi

04/01/2025

Introduction:

On 28 December 2024, poet Mr. ABDURRAHMAN KARADAVI known as “Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi” was arrested in Lebanon upon his return from Syria based on a warrant issued by the Arab Interior Ministers Council. He was accused of politically motivated charges in Egypt, such as incitement to destabilize the state and spreading false news, following requests for his arrest from Egyptian and UAE authorities. These accusations relate to his opposition to the Egyptian regime, his support for opposition movements, and his publication of a video filmed at the Umayyad Mosque in Syria.

Sablouh
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.

Advocacy

Request to Refuse the Extradition of Egyptian and Turkish Citizen Abdul Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates

Beirut, January 7, 2025
To: His Excellency the Prime Minister Mr. Najib Mikati,

Subject: Request to Refuse the Extradition of Egyptian and Turkish Citizen Abdul Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates

From: Lebanese and International Human Rights Organizations

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, the Lebanese General Security arrested the political poet Abdul Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi, who holds both Egyptian and Turkish citizenships, at the Masnaa border crossing after he had arrived from Syria.

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.

Publication & Activities

UN flag waved against the sun and blue sky.
Submitted contribution to the UN on the phenomenon of missing migrants in the Mediterranean!

23/12/2024

Executive Summary

Every year, civil society and international organizations highlight the number of persons Every year, civil society and international organizations highlight the number of persons missing in the course of migration. Organizations such as United for Intercultural Action have counted 60,620 migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe between 1993 and 2024. Other international organizations such as IOM, through its ” Missing Migrants Project”, have identified more than 69,353 migrants missing between 2014 and 2024 worldwide, including 30,628people in the Mediterranean basin.

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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.

Torture Room at The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison), Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Southeast Asia
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.

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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

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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.

Legal Empowerment Research Project

Analyze the collected data to identify potential human rights violations or positive impacts.

Technology and Human Rights Innovation Lab

 Explore the intersection of technology and human rights, researching innovative solutions to address emerging challenges.

FAQs !

Have A Questions?

 

  • 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.

 

  • 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.

 

  • 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.
  • 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.
Hotline:

+961 81 490 607