UPR51: UK Statement on Lebanon

Thank you Madam Vice President,  

We welcome?the?election of a President in Lebanon and the formation of a reform-oriented?government.?? 

We commend?the government’s steps to resume?the 2020 Beirut Explosion investigation,?establish?the state’s monopoly on arms, and launch?the National Human Rights Plan.? 

We acknowledge the?impact on human rights of hostilities with Israel. We call on all parties to adhere to the?Cessation of Hostilities?agreement.? 

We recommend that?Lebanon:?? 

1. Adopts?a?new media law in line with international standards and reforms endorsed by civil society, including the decriminalisation of offences related to freedom of expression and?transparency of media ownership. 

2. Withdraws?its?reservation?under?CEDAW Article?9 (2) and amends the 1925 Nationality Law to guarantee gender equality in nationality?transmission.? 

3. Safeguards?refugee?rights?and?upholds?the?principle of non-refoulement.????? 

Thank you.