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. Together, this coalition of organizations submitted a joint letter to the UN, urging the establishment of an international investigative mechanism in light of severe violations of human rights and humanitarian law by all parties involved in the conflict.

Lebanon is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. According to the latest data, more than 2,867 people have been killed, with over 13,000 injured due to ongoing military actions, predominantly by Israeli forces. This violence has led to the displacement of more than 1.2 million people, including vulnerable Syrian refugees.

The letter highlights grave violations, including indiscriminate airstrikes on densely populated areas, attacks on medical facilities, and the targeting of healthcare personnel and UN peacekeepers—actions that contravene international humanitarian law. This destruction is compounding the strain on Lebanon’s fragile institutions and economy, putting millions at risk as essential services are severely disrupted.

In a statement on 1 October, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on all parties to the conflict to distinguish between military and civilian targets and emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible for violations. The organizations stressed the urgency for UN member states to act by initiating a special session to launch an investigative process that can prevent further escalation, protect civilian lives, and hold perpetrators accountable.

As Lebanon faces an impending humanitarian catastrophe, the coalition calls on the international community to act swiftly to alleviate civilian suffering and reinforce Lebanon’s right to peace and stability.