Lebanon’s civic space continues to erode, according to a joint submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review by the Gulf Centre for Human Rights and partner organisations.

Despite accepting 20 out of 25 recommendations in its last review in 2021, the government has largely failed to implement reforms safeguarding freedom of expression, association, and assembly.

Journalists, human rights defenders, and particularly women activists remain vulnerable to harassment, criminalisation, and impunity for attacks—especially in the wake of Israeli airstrikes since late 2023.

Transparency is also hampered by the poor enforcement of Lebanon’s 2017 Access to Information law. The CIVICUS Monitor now categorises Lebanon’s civic space as “Obstructed,” a troubling verdict for a country once praised for its vocal press and active civil society.

The report calls for urgent measures to protect civic freedoms and uphold international human rights obligations.

Source: Gulf Centre for Human Rights.