Commission of Inquiry on Lebanon Pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution S-2/1
REPORT of the Commission of Inquiry on Lebanon pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution S-2/1 ADVANCED UNEDITED VERSION Geneva, 10 November 2006 Executive Summary 1. On 11 August 2006, at its second special session, convened to address the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution S-2/1, entitled “The grave situation of human rights in Lebanon caused by Israeli military operations”, in which it decided to “urgently establish and immediately dispatch a high-level commission of inquiry”. The mandate of the Commission, according to paragraph 7 of resolution S-2/1, is: (a) to investigate the systematic targeting and killings of civilians by Israel in Lebanon; (b) to examine the types of weapons used by Israel and their conformity with international law; and (c) to assess the extent and deadly impact of Israeli attacks on human life, property, critical infrastructure and the environment.” 2. On 1 September 2006, the President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, announced the nomination of Ambassador João Clemente Baena Soares, Judge Mohamed Chande Othman, and Professor Stelios Perrakis as members of the Commission of Inquiry. The Commission assembled in Geneva, together with its Secretariat, and began its work on 11 September. It agreed to report to the Council within two months. 3. In Geneva, the Commission held meetings with the President of the Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Permanent Missions of Lebanon and Israel, UN agencies and NGOs. The Commission visited Lebanon from 23 September through 7 October, and 17 through 21 October.
[Show full text]