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
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.
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.
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
Cedar Centre for Legal Studies Opens a Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture in Tripoli, North Lebanon
07/03/2025
Executive Summary
Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS) is opening its Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture in Tripoli, North Lebanon. Officially launching in December 2024, this center marks a significant step in CCLS’s commitment to providing essential support and services to individuals who have endured torture and ill-treatment.
Guided by a firm dedication to human rights and social justice, the center offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to help survivors rebuild their lives.
February 6, 2025: Without Justice, There Can Be No Peace.
07/02/2025
Executive Summary
On the occasion of February 6, the International Day of Commemoration for the Dead and Missing at Borders and at Sea, Cedar Centre for Legal Studies organized a solidarity meeting at the Bahsas Roundabout, the southern entrance of Tripoli, northern Lebanon.
This event was attended by several prominent figures, including the president of Tripoli municipality, Dr. Riad Yamak, representatives of the city’s deputies, unions, local and international associations, civil society organizations, media, and the families of the victims of the April, Cyprus, and Tartus boats. These individuals lost their lives attempting to cross borders or the sea in search of a better and more dignified life.
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.
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.
