U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Lebanon

37^th Session
Geneva, January 18, 2021  

As delivered by Sean Mariano Garcia

The United States welcomes the Lebanese delegation.  

We recommend that Lebanon:    

1. Ensure civilians are tried in civilian courts and authorities transparently investigate reports of the use of torture in security forces’ facilities and allegations of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators by security forces. Stop prosecuting protesters, journalists, and bloggers under criminal anti-defamation laws for exercising the right to freedom of
2. Combat official corruption and increase transparency, including by appointing independent judges free from political influence, and establishing an independent electoral commission, and ensuring transparency, including through robust civil society engagement, in the allocation of public resources.  
3. Establish a pre-deportation adjudication mechanism within the judicial system for individuals who fear persecution or torture to prevent refoulement. 

We welcome the announcement of a standardized contract for domestic workers, with safeguards against forced labor, but remain concerned by the Shura Council’s decision to suspend its implementation.  We are concerned by discrimination against women under sect-based personal status laws.