Universal Periodic Review of LEBANON – 18 January 2021 – Intervention by the delegation of Estonia

Estonia warmly welcomes the delegation of the Lebanese Republic to the UPR 37th session.

Estonia is concerned about the challenges that Lebanon faces today. Unfortunately, the spread of Covid-19 and the devastating explosion at the port of Beirut only exacerbate underlying long-term governance problem Lebanon faces. Lebanon will not be able to overcome that alone, it needs our collective support, but also guidance.

Estonia welcomes the adoption of a Strategic Plan for the protection of women and children, including against gender-based violence, as well as the endorsement of its first National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325.

We recognize that Lebanon has ratified a number of international human rights instruments and encourage to continue with that as well as to ensure their implementation.

Estonia recognizes the heavy burden to Lebanon caused by refugee crises and notes with appreciation Lebanon’s efforts to host Syrian refugees. Estonia has supported and will continue to support the relief of Syrian refugees in Lebanon with humanitarian aid while emphasizing the need to protect their human rights and ensure that their return to Syria will be voluntary, safe and dignified once conditions allow.

Estonia would like to make the following recommendations:

  • Review the legislation on defamation and bring it in conformity with international standards;
  • Bring the anti-torture law into compliance with CAT and ensure its full implementation;
  • Ensure adequate investigation into all attacks against journalists, media professionals, bloggers and human rights defenders and ensure full implementation of the rule of law.

 

We also reiterate our recommendations from previous cycle to prohibit all corporal punishment of children in all settings and to accede to the Rome Statute of the ICC.

We would like to wish the delegation of Lebanon a successful review meeting.

Thank you!