Recommendations to Lebanon (19.01.2026)

51st SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP 
Statement Norway

on the on the human rights situation in Lebanon

delivered by Ms Elisabeth ÅDNEGARD,
Counsellor, Human Rights

                                                                                    Check against delivery

19 January 2026

Thank you Madame Vice President,

Norway welcomes Lebanon’s progress on judicial reform, the new media law, the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its optional protocol, the law on sexual harassment, and the new National Action Plan for Human Rights. However, certain human rights concerns remain.

Norway recommends that Lebanon:

1. Adopt laws to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in line with international standards;
   
   
2. End discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including by repealing Article 534 of the Penal Code;
   
   
3. Lift the reservations to Articles 9 (2) and 16 (1) of CEDAW and amend national laws to allow women to pass citizenship to their children;
   
   
4. Repeal restrictions that prevent Palestinian refugees from owning property and accessing professions.
   
   

Thank you.