. COUNTRY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Bulletin 1/2004 February 2004

Contents

1. Introduction 1.1 - 1.5 2. Geography 2.1 3. Economy 3.1 - 3.3 4. History 4.1 - 4.2 Civil War 4.3 - The Taif Accord 4.4 - 4.5 Regional Conflict 4.6 Elections 4.7 - 4.8 Syrian Presence: 2002 - 2004 4.9 - 4.10 Recent Events: 2003 - 2004 4.11 - 4.12 5. State Structures 5.1 Political System and The Constitution 5.2 Citizenship 5.3 Judiciary 5.3 - 5.4 Military Service 5.5 - 5.6 Internal Security 5.7 Legal Rights and Detention 5.8 - 5.9 The Death Penalty/Extra-Judicial Killings 5.10 Prisons 5.11 Medical Services 5.12 - 5.14 Education 5.15 6.A : An Overview 6.1 - 6.2 and the Media 6.3 - 6.5 Freedom of Assembly & Association 6.6 - 6.7 6.8 - 6.9 Freedom from Racial 6.10 Freedom of Movement 6.11 - 6.12 Employment Rights 6.13 - 6.14 6.B Human Rights: Specific Groups Women 6.15 - 6.16 Children 6.17 - 6.18 Palestinians 6.19 - Refugee Camps 6.20 - Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) 6.21 - Employment Opportunities 6.22 - Residence Status and Documents 6.23 - 6.24 - Freedom of Movement 6.25 - 6.26 - Main Political Organisations 6.27 - 6.32 - Asbat al-Ansar 6.33 - 6.34 (LF) 6.35 - 6.36 Aoun ('Awn) Supporters 6.37 - 6.38 Hizbollah 6.39 - 6.43 - Hizbollah's Relations with Amal 6.44

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Amal 6.45 - Nabih Birri (Berri) 6.46 Homosexuals 6.47 - 6.48 Christians 6.49 - 6.50 and Accused or Actual Collaborators 6.51 - 6.52 - Acts of Retribution 6.53 - 6.54 - Pre-trial Treatment of Detainees 6.55 - Military Court Trials 6.56 - 6.58 - Sentences 6.59 - 6.52 - Returnees 6.63 6.C HUMAN RIGHTS: OTHER ISSUES Refugees and Asylum Seekers 6.64 - 6.66 People Trafficking 6.67 - 6.69 Human Rights Organisations/Non-Governmental Organisations 6.70 (NGOs) References to Source Material Annex A

1 Introduction

1.1 This Bulletin has been produced by the Country Information and Policy Unit, Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Home Office, from information about Lebanon obtained from a wide variety of recognised sources. It does not contain any Home Office opinion or policy.

1.2 This Bulletin has been prepared for background purposes for those involved in the asylum / human rights determination process. The information it contains is not exhaustive. It concentrates on the issues most commonly raised in asylum / human rights claims made in the United Kingdom.

1.3 The Bulletin is sourced throughout. It is intended to be used by caseworkers as a signpost to the source material, which has been made available to them. The vast majority of the source material is readily available in the public domain.

1.4 This Bulletin replaces the Lebanon Country Assessment issued in April 2002.

1.5 This Bulletin and the accompanying source material are publicly disclosable. Paper copies of the sources that are not available in electronic format have been distributed to nominated officers in Asylum Caseworking Directorate and all Presenting Officer Units.

Return to Contents 2 GEOGRAPHY

2.1 The Republic of Lebanon lies in western Asia, bordered by to the north and east, including the occupied Golan Heights and by Israel to the south. [1] The country consists of 6 administrative regions or “Muhafazat” each headed by a governor; , , North Lebanon, South Lebanon, Beka'a, and Nabatiyah. [5d] The capital city is Beirut (1,171,000)*. [1][2a][5d][1] The other main cities are Tripoli (212,900)*, (149,000)*, Tyre (117,100)* and Zahleh (76,600)*. [1] The population is estimated at between 3.2 and 3.8 million although no official census has been taken in Lebanon since 1932 because of the potentially volatile issue of political power and confessional balance. However, it is widely accepted that Muslims account for approximately sixty percent of Lebanon's population. [1][5d] The official language is , which is spoken by almost all

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of the inhabitants. French is widely used as a second language, although English is tending to replace it and small ethnic minorities speak Kurdish and Armenian. Aramaic is used by some religious sects but only for ritual, not as an every day language. [1][2a][3a] (*All figures are rounded up)

For Further Information on Geography refer to Europa's "Regional Surveys of the World, and North Africa" [1].

Return to Contents 3 ECONOMY

3.1 Prior to the 1975-1990 hostilities, Lebanon was an important regional financial and commercial centre. The war weakened its commercial leadership and inflicted massive damage on the economic infrastructure. [5a] Social indicators have been gradually improving and there has been a relatively rapid economic recovery since the end of the war. [19b] According to the World Bank Group, the country's GNI per capita was US$3,990 in 2002, compared with US$1,200 in 1991. [19a][19b]

3.2 In 2002, the government intended to further encourage privatisation, initially in the telecom sector and electricity, with continued planning for sales of the state airline, Beirut port, and water utilities. The government was also to tackle administrative reform, aiming to bring in qualified technocrats to address ambitious economic programs and intended to reform the income tax system. [5d] The implementation of economic reforms was slow during 2002. The continuation of regional instability coupled with negative domestic political developments resulted in a virtually stagnant economy in 2002. [5g] At the end of 2002, Lebanese banks agreed to purchase approximately £2.5 billion worth of interest-free government bonds to help deal with the country's "crippling debt burden" of US$30 billion, approximately 180% of Lebanon's gross domestic product. [23l] In September 2003, Hamas reacted angrily to a probe ordered by Lebanon's Central Bank into its leaders accounts, although the bank defended its actions as being part of its international requirements to combat money laundering. [23ad] In October 2003, Lebanon was hit by a general strike protesting a seven-year pay freeze proposed by the Government to combat the continuing debt crisis. [23aa]

3.3 As of 17 February 2004, US$1 = 1,513.50 Lebanese pounds and GB£1 = 2,882.96 Lebanese pounds. [58]

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4 HISTORY

4.1 Lebanon is characterised by great religious and cultural diversity. At the time of independence, January 1944, Christians formed a slight majority of the population, the largest single community, nearly 30 per cent of the total, being the Maronite Christians who mostly inhabited the north of the country and Beirut. The main Muslim groups were the Sunnis, living mainly in the coastal towns of Tyre, Sidon and Beirut and the Shi 'as, a predominantly rural community in southern Lebanon and the northern Beka'a valley. Inter- community rivalries have been endemic but, until the 1970's, were generally kept within bounds by a complex confessional system, enshrined in the 1943 National Pact. Executive and legislative posts were to be shared in the ratio of six Christians to five Muslims and

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seats in the Chamber of Deputies, renamed the National Assembly in 1979, were distributed on a religious, rather than an ideological basis. [1][3a][23s]

4.2 However, the demographic justification for Christian Maronite domination of the system has long since disappeared with the rapid increase in the Shi'a population. At the end of the civil war in 1990 the estimated population breakdown was: Shi'as 32 per cent, Maronites 24 per cent, Sunnis 21 per cent, 7 per cent, others 16 per cent. [2a] The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Country Profile of June 2003 quotes slightly different figures for Christians and Shia with the former comprising 38 per cent and the latter 34 per cent of the population. [3a]

Return to Contents Civil War

4.3 During the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, Palestinians fled to Lebanon but, rather than merely seeking refuge, various Palestinian militia used Lebanon as a base from which to launch attacks against Israel. Internal conflicts between the Palestinian militias and Phalangists sparked the civil war Lebanon suffered between 1975 and the early 1990's during which other regional powers used Lebanon in which to fight their own conflicts. Israel, Syria and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) were the main actors in these other conflicts. In June 1976, Syrian troops entered Lebanon in an attempt to restore peace and to restrain the Palestinians. [1][23s][23y]

The Taif Accord

4.4 In September 1989, the Syrian Government and the leaders of Lebanon's Muslim militias approved a seven point "charter of national reconciliation". General reluctantly approved the charter when he found himself to be diplomatically isolated. A cease-fire accordingly took effect on 23 September 1989. The National Assembly subsequently met and approved the charter in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Known as the Taif Accord, the charter provided for the transfer of executive power from the presidency to a cabinet, with portfolios divided equally among Christian and Muslim ministers. The number of seats in the National Assembly was to be increased from 99 to 128 and divided equally among Christian and Muslim deputies. The Taif Accord also included an outline timetable for Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon and the disbanding of all Lebanese and non- Lebanese militias. [1][2a][3a]

4.5 However, the Civil War only came to an end in October 1990 when the Syrian airforce attacked the Presidential Palace and General Aoun was forced to seek refuge in the French Embassy. Almost one year later, after the National Assembly has granted an amnesty for all crimes committed during the war, General Aoun was given a presidential pardon and left for France. [1][23s]

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Regional Conflict

4.6 Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978 in response to a Palestinian attack and again in 1982 after the attempted assassination of its Ambassador to the United Kingdom. In the intervening four years Israel's "proxy mainly Christian Lebanese militia" called the South Lebanese Army (SLA) had been in control of South Lebanon. [23s] Israel withdrew from

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Lebanon a second time in 1985 but continued to occupy the 'security zone' within South Lebanon from 1985 to 2000, with the help of the SLA. continued to fight for the liberation of South Lebanon from the Israeli occupying force until May 2000 when Israel finally withdrew its troops and the SLA collapsed. [1][23s][23y] Hezbollah continues to maintain a presence in South Lebanon and frequently uses anti-aircraft fire against Israeli planes violating Lebanese air space. [23o][23x][23v]

Elections

4.7 Voting for the 128-member National Assembly took place in two rounds: 27 August 2000: Mount Lebanon area and North Lebanon: 6 districts, 63 seats and 3 September 2000: Beirut, Beka’a, South Lebanon: 8 districts, 65 seats. On 4 September 2000, Prime Minister Selim al-Hoss conceded defeat after unofficial results showed an “opposition coalition” winning a decisive victory. [23a] Dr Hoss had also lost his own parliamentary seat. The detailed results, by electoral district, confession and parties, are contained in the source material [23b][16b][16c][1] Interestingly, candidates loyal to Rafik al-Hariri, who served as Prime Minister from 1992 to 1998, won 18 out of the 19 seats in the three Beirut electoral districts. All 23 seats in the South Lebanon electoral districts, both Muslim and Christian, were won by candidates running on a joint Amal-Hizbollah list and 12 of these 23 were won by Hizbollah members. [16c][31] Although it is generally believed that Lebanese Parliamentary democracy is open, the careful management of rival candidate election lists influenced it. Independent observers were allowed and little evidence of tampering or undue influence was reported, although the electoral process was reportedly still flawed by some serious shortcomings. [5c]

4.8 The new Parliament convened on 17 October 2000 and , leader of Amal, was elected Speaker for a third consecutive term with an overwhelming majority. [16d] On 23 October 2000, Rafik al-Hariri, the billionaire real estate developer who served as Prime Minister from 1992 to 1998, won the support of a majority of members of parliament to become the new Prime Minister. During two sessions of consultations with President Lahoud, 107 of the 128 members named Hariri as their preferred candidate for the post [31] President Lahoud named Hariri Prime Minister in October. [5g] In mid-April 2003, Prime Minister Hariri and his government resigned, reportedly in part due to the debt crisis, after months of public discussion regarding a change in government. However, President Lahoud asked Hariri to remain as 'caretaker' and, as largely expected, after only one or two days to form a new cabinet. [1][6c][54]

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Syrian Presence: 2002 - 2004

4.9 In April 2002 a further redeployment of Syrian troops was announced in line with the Taif Accord. [4c][23c] The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) estimated that there were approximately 15,000 troops in the country in November 2003. [3d] By 8 April 2002 the withdrawal included positions on the Chouf coastline, meeting requirements for a redeployment into the interior stipulated in the 1989 Taif Agreement, most Syrian Army posts between Beirut and Sidon were clear. [4d]

4.10 In February 2003, the Lebanese government announced the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the north of the country. According to a report compiled by the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) in July 2003 a Lebanese military source stated that

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approximately 3,500 to 4,000 Syrian soldiers were withdrawn from sixteen military positions in predominantly Christian areas in February 2003. Further withdrawals and re- deployments from north Lebanon and also from near Beirut and in the east occurred in July 2003. [6b][2e][1] However, the Canadian IRB report of July 2003 also states that various news sources considered that it was unlikely that Syrian influence over Lebanese affairs will be greatly weakened by even a complete military withdrawal. Syria reportedly has thousands of intelligence agents in Lebanon. The Lebanese President, Lahoud, has publicly declared the need for "permanent co-ordination between Syria and Lebanon with regards to foreign policy" and Syria continued to influence and interfere in Lebanese government. [2e]

Recent Events: 2003 - 2004

4.11 On 30 January 2003, the UN Security Council extended the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) mandate in southern Lebanon until 31 July 2003. [6a] In May 2003, Lebanon was visited by the US Secretary of State who reportedly reiterated the US government's concerns over Hizbollah and the presence of "foreign forces" in Lebanon. Later the same month, 's President Khatami also visited Lebanon, implicitly praising Hizbollah and warning the US of creating another crisis in the region in his speech in front of 50,000 people. [6d] A group called Ansar Allah claimed responsibility for the 15 June 2003 rocket attack on Prime Minister al-Hariri's Mustaqbal Television Rawsha studios. The group stated that this was a message to all that they would not tolerate "poison arrows" being shot "at the heart of the resistance". [6e]

4.12 The trials of twenty-seven men who took part in attacks on American and British businesses in Lebanon between the end of 2002 and April 2003 ended in jail sentences for all the accused in December 2003. In a separate case, a military court acquitted three defendants who were accused of plotting to kill the United States ambassador to Lebanon. [23ae] On 30 January 2004, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported on the completion of Hezbollah's "controversial exchange of prisoners with Israel" despite Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory only a few days earlier, one of which resulted in the death of one Israeli soldier and the wounding of another. [23af][60b] There had been suggestions in 2003 that Marwan Barghouti, the man seen by many as 's successor, might have been released during the prisoner swap but a February 2004 Agence France Presse report indicated that Barghouti was still detained in Israel. [60a][21g]

For Further Information on History refer to Europa's "Regional Surveys of the World, Middle East and North Africa 2004" [1].

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5 STATE STRUCTURES

Political System and Constitution

5.1 Under the 1926 Constitution, as subsequently amended, legislative power is held by the National Assembly, with 128 members elected by universal adult suffrage for four years. Seats are allocated on a religious basis, divided equally between Christians and Muslims. According to the unwritten "National Pact of 1943", the President is a Maronite

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Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the President, also known as the Speaker, of the National Assembly a Shi'a Muslim. [1][2a][5g]

Citizenship

5.2 Lebanese citizenship can be acquired through descent from the father or by applying for, and being granted, a Decree from the Lebanese Council of Ministers. Birth within the Republic of Lebanon does not confer citizenship and a child of Lebanese descent born outside Lebanon must be registered at a Lebanese embassy for the child's citizenship to be automatically granted. Dual citizenship is recognised. [38] In a speech to a delegation from the Lebanese Parties' Gathering that is opposed to naturalisation and supported the right of Palestinians to return to their homeland, Nabih Berri stressed his opposition to the approval of naturalisation. [16j]

The Judiciary

5.3 Fifty-six 'Single-Judge Courts' and eleven Courts of Appeal, deal with civil and criminal cases. There are four Courts of Cassation, three dealing with civil and commercial cases and the fourth with criminal cases. There is also The Council of State, which deals with administrative cases and The Court of Justice, which deals with matters affecting the security of the state. In addition to the above, there are Islamic, Christian and Jewish Religious Courts, which deal with affairs of personal status such as marriage, death, inheritance, etc. [1] The Military Court tries cases involving security personnel and civilians in security-related issues while the Judicial Council, which is a permanent tribunal of five senior judges, presides over cases that concern threats to national security. [5g][1]

5.4 Many provisions of the 2001 Code of Criminal Procedure were not put into practice and some judges claimed not to have been properly informed of the new provisions [see Section 6: Internal Security]. The judiciary is generally impartial and independent and trials are usually held in public. However, parts of the system are open to political pressure and influence from politicians and Syrian intelligence officers, who intervene to protect their supporters from prosecution. [5g]

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Military Service

5.5 The Lebanese Army works in close co-ordination with the Syrian Army and together the two forces maintain a presence throughout the country. It is understood that Syria has approximately 22,000 troops stationed in Lebanon, predominantly in the Beka'a Valley. [2a][5g] In 1992 the government formally reintroduced conscription but it is not clear how far it is enforced. All men between the ages of 18 and 29 are liable for service for a period of 12 months. Any man eligible for military service must register at a recruitment office to obtain travel authorisation prior to leaving the country. [5g] As of April 2003, women were not subject to compulsory conscription as their military service, and its conditions, had yet to be decided by the government. [2g] Exemption is possible for those who are physically disabled, are students, for those having a brother who died during military service, are married, are an only son or have lived abroad for more than five years. [4e] Students, including those resident abroad, can obtain deferments. [2i]

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5.6 Conscientious objection has no legal provision although it is believed that "alternate service" may be an option. There have been some cases of conscientious objection among followers of the Jehovah’s Witness faith which “in no way constitutes a refusal to perform compulsory military service”. Jehovah's Witnesses are permitted to wear civilian clothes and are not obliged to perform acts that are contrary to their religious beliefs. [15a] However, according a report compiled by the Canadian IRB in April 2003, there is no alternative service or option to pay a fee to avoid military service. [2g] Similarly, draft evasion is punishable by 12 months imprisonment and this is, according to the same consular officer, never replaced by an alternative punishment - such as a monetary fine. Nevertheless, there is no information available on the actual practice of sentencing draft evaders. [36][2g] Also, according to decree law No. 102/83, its amendments and law no. 310, Lebanese born in or before 1972 are now permanently exempt from compulsory service. [2j] However, persons who have not completed or legally avoided their compulsory service and were born after 1972, are banned from voting, working, registering in education or leaving the country, pursuant to law 112. [41a][41b]

Internal Security

5.7 The security forces consist of the (LAF), which may arrest and detain suspects on national security grounds; the (ISF), which enforces laws, conducts searches and arrests; and the State Security Directorate and the Surete Generale, both operating in the area of state security. [5g] The ISF refers cases to the judiciary. The State Security Apparatus and the Surete Generale, both collect information on groups deemed a possible threat to state security. The Surete Generale is also responsible for issuing passports and residency permits, and the censoring of foreign periodicals, television programmes, films, plays, documentaries, etc. [5g]

Return to Contents Legal Rights and Detention

5.8 According to the United State's State Department (USSD) Report on Human Rights Practices for 2002, the Lebanese authorities often detained without charge for short periods of time political opponents, or those critical of the Syrian and Lebanese Governments. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances in 2002. [5g]

5.9 The 2001 Code of Criminal Procedure gives greater legal protection to suspects and places limits on the length of detentions. It also guarantees the availability of bail and provides some avenues of redress in cases of prolonged arrest. In practice, not all of the Code's provisions were observed, with some police complaining that they had not been properly informed of the new provisions. The Lebanese security forces continued to use arbitrary arrest and detention throughout 2002, despite the law requiring the obtaining of a warrant prior to an arrest being carried out. [5g]

The Death Penalty/Extra-judicial Killings

5.10 Lebanon retains the death penalty and ten people were sentenced to death in 2002. On 17 January 2004, three executions took place in Beirut's Roumeih prison despite calls from the European Union for them to be halted. [23ac][55] Up until then no executions had actually been carried out since President Lahoud took office in November 1998. [8e][8a] In July 2001, the Lebanese Parliament repealed Law 302, which expanded the scope of the death penalty in Lebanon in 1994, abolished judges discretion to consider

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mitigating factors and made capital punishment mandatory for certain offences. [8c] There were no reports of extra-judicial killings by government authorities or its agents in 2002 but at least one politically motivated killing did take place and reports of "suspicious" deaths has led some to believe that former Lebanese Forces members or Maronite Christian leaders are being "systematically eliminated". [5g][8e][8d][14b]

Return to Contents Prisons

5.11 Prison conditions are poor and do not meet minimum international standards, although there were improvements made in some areas in 2002. Prisons are overcrowded, with a total population of about 7,230, of which only 2,500 inmates have received convictions. Inmates lack heat, adequate toilet facilities, and proper medical care. The Government did not budget funds to reform the prison system in 2002. [5g] The Government made an effort to carry out rehabilitation for some inmates. Inmates at Roumieh prison participated in vocational activities such as computer training courses in order to provide them with skills upon release. In September 2001 36 inmates in Roumieh prison received certificates of accomplishment following completion of a computer training program. [5e] In October 2002, the International Committee of the Red Cross was granted access to Lebanese prisons. [8e]

Return to Contents Medical Services

5.12 In the World Health Organisations "World Health Report 2000" Lebanon's health system ranked 91st out of 191 countries in the World. In comparison, the United Kingdom is ranked 18th. The WHO assessed five indicators: overall level of health; health inequalities; patient satisfaction; how the systems respond to need; and how well served people of different economic status feel. [7b][11]

5.13 Lebanon has a National Aids Control Program in place, which is developing a national strategic plan to combat HIV/AIDS in co-ordination with the Ministry of Health (MOH). [43] Anti-retroviral treatment is available in Lebanon and people who are HIV positive are mostly treated using tri-therapy Protease, as internationally recommended. Specialised Non-Governmental Organisations partially contribute to the cost of the treatment and the patient pays any outstanding costs. The MOH only covers the cost of a few cases, although the possibility of the MOH contributing to the cost of treatment is currently being discussed, according to the Ministry of Public Health's website. [42]

5.14 Lebanon's National Mental Health Programme and Therapeutic Drug Policy were formulated in 1987, although the war and its resultant disruption hampered its progress. Mental health care, including the treatment of severe mental disorders, is present in primary health care and a range of therapeutic drugs is available at primary health care level. [44a][44b]

Education

5.15 There are state-controlled primary and secondary schools, but these are generally inadequate. Consequently, private institutions provide the main facilities for secondary and higher education, which causes difficulties for lower-income families. State education is free and compulsory until the age of 13. Primary education begins at six years of age and

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lasts for five years. Secondary education beginning at the age of eleven and lasts for seven years, comprising a first cycle of four years and a second of three years. Attendance averages 93 per cent and, with adult literacy levels at 86.5 percent, Lebanon has the highest literacy levels in the Arab world. [1][5g]

Return to Contents 6A HUMAN RIGHTS: OVERVIEW

6.1 Human Rights Reports state that Lebanon ratified the Convention Against (CAT) in October 2000. However, torture is not banned specifically by the Constitution and there continue to be credible reports that security forces abuse detainees. There have been credible allegations that torture has, on some occasions, been used and human rights groups claim that torture is a common practice. Violent abuse is reportedly most common during preliminary investigations. [5g][8e] In June 2002 Lebanon and the European Union signed an agreement that included a clause on human rights. While, in September 2002, warrants were issued permitting the surveillance of those thought to be involved in anti-government activities in Lebanon and abroad. The Commander of Syrian Military Intelligence was transferred to Syria and replaced due to growing discontent at the Syrian military presence in Lebanon. [8e]

6.2 reported that dozens of arrests were made, in 2002, of people affiliated to opposition groups, including members of unauthorised Christian groups, Sunni Islamist groups and persons allegedly affiliated with al-Qa'ida. Military Court trials of political prisoners and suspected members of the SLA continued to be conducted in an unfair manner throughout 2002. Political detainees were reportedly subject to torture and ill treatment in Military Intelligence detention centres. The authorities gave the International Committee of the Red Cross access to prisons in October 2002 and prison conditions improved in some areas during the year. [8e]

Return to Contents Freedom of Speech and the Media

6.3 The Constitution provides for , but in practice this right is partially limited by the Government. [5g][9a] Lebanon has a long history of freedom of opinion, speech and the press, but journalists censor themselves on matters related to the Syrian president, the Syrian army, or corruption in Syria. [5g][28a] The various political factions print their own newspapers and have their own radio stations. Daily criticism of government policies and leaders continues despite repeated attempts to restrict press freedom through prosecution. The law prohibits attacks on the dignity of the Head of State or foreign leaders, and offending journalists may be tried by the specialist Publications Court. [5g]

6.4 The USSD Report on Human Rights Practices for 2002 stated that there were instances of press harassment and attempted censorship throughout 2002. [5g] Examples include the March 2002 beating of photographers for taking pictures of a collapsed building in Beirut and the April 2002 charges pressed against the International Herald Tribune for running a pro-Israeli advertisement campaign. In September 2002, Murr Television (MTV) and Radio Mont Liban (RML), which are owned by opposition candidate who stood as a candidate in the by-election, were closed for violating provisions of the Parliamentary Election Law and two appeals against this decision have failed. The violation was open criticism of the Syrian presence in Lebanon. [9c][23j][23k] The

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October 2002 Publications Courts decision to reaffirm the closure of MTV provoked a demonstration by Christian opposition groups in Beirut that was forcibly dispersed. In 2002, new measures to combat terrorism were introduced resulting in the targeting of Sunni groups with a history of opposition to the government. According to Amnesty International, "legitimate rights to freedom of expression" were repressed. [8e]

6.5 In January 2003, the private Lebanese television station New Television (NTV) had its satellite service cut to prevent a programme dealing with Saudi-American relations being broadcast, reportedly due to pressure from the Saudi Government. [23m][59a] In March 2003, a judicial investigation against the newspaper An-Nahar was launched after a column entitled "Letter to God" angered Muslim leaders. [59b] In December 2003, Tahsin Khayat, owner of NTV, was reportedly arrested for political reasons according to a Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press release the same month. [59c] However, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that there were no cases of attacks on the press in Lebanon in 2003 or up until 16 February 2004. The CPJ classifies 'attacks' as attacked (physically - persons or buildings), censored, expelled, harassed, imprisoned, killed, legal action, missing and threatened. [35a][35b]

For a list of press publications and media outlets see Europa's "Regional Surveys of the World, Middle East and North Africa 2004" [1]

Return to Contents Freedom of Assembly and Association

6.6 Although the Constitution provides for freedom of assembly, the Government restricts this right. A rally or demonstration must receive the prior approval of the Interior Ministry, which depends on a number of conditions being met and the decisions by the Ministry were not always consistent. [5g][28a] The USSD Report on Human Rights Practices for 2002 reported that military personnel used excessive force to disperse several demonstrations during 2002. However, there were also instances of large demonstrations remaining peaceful and being dealt with responsibly by the security forces. [5g] The (HRW) World Report of 2003 stated that, following the closure of MTV and RML in September 2002, the Interior Ministry banned planned demonstrations and sit-ins. [9c] In March and April 2003, demonstrations against military action in Iraq took place in Beirut, Sidon, Tyre, Tripoli and the Beka'a valley. [3b]

6.7 The USSD Report on Human Rights Practices for 2002 states that the Constitution provides for freedom of association and that the Government generally respects this. Persons forming an organisation are required to notify the Interior Ministry, which is responsible for issuing permits for the formation of associations. [5g] The Ministry of Interior also scrutinises requests to establish political movements or parties, and to some extent monitors their activities. The army Intelligence Service monitors the movement and activities of members of opposition groups. Persons opposed to government and Syrian policies have been subject to arbitrary arrest and detention. [2a] [5g]

For a list of Political Organisations see Europa's "Regional Surveys of the World, Middle East and North Africa 2004" [1]

Return to Contents Freedom of Religion

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6.8 According to the USSD Report on Human Rights Practices for 2002, the Constitution provides for freedom of religion and the Government respects this right in practice. There is no state religion, however the principle of religious representation is applied throughout public life, including government. The Government permits recognised religions to exercise authority over matters pertaining to personal status such as marriage, divorce and inheritance, as well as to maintain private schools. [1][5g][5f] There are no legal barriers to proselytising; however, traditional attitudes and edicts of the clerical establishment discourage such activity. The Government does not require citizen's religious affiliations to be indicated on their passports but does require that religious affiliation be encoded on national identity cards. [5g][5f]

6.9 Discrimination based on religion is built into the system of government. The amended Constitution of 1990 embraces the principle of abolishing religious affiliation as a criterion for filling government positions, but few practical steps have been taken to accomplish this aim. One notable exception is the Lebanese Armed Forces, which through universal conscription and an emphasis on professionalism has reduced significantly the role of religious sectarianism in its organisation. Each religious group has its own courts for family law matters, such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance although these are only recognised in Lebanese law if the relevant faith has received official recognition. [5g][5f] Intermarriage is not uncommon and, although there are no procedures for civil marriage in Lebanon, civil ceremonies performed outside the country are recognised. There were no reports of forced conversion in 2002. [5f]

For a list of religious groups see Europa's "Regional Surveys of the World, Middle East and North Africa, 2004" [1]

Return to Contents Freedom from Racial Discrimination

6.10 The USSD Report on Human Rights Practices for 2002 states that, discrimination based on race is illegal, and is not widespread, although foreign domestic servants are mistreated. [5g]

Freedom of Movement

6.11 The constitution provides for freedom of movement, however there are some limitations. There are still a number of Lebanese and Syrian army checkpoints throughout the country. [5g] There are no legal restrictions on citizens' right to return to Lebanon. Over 600,000 Lebanese were displaced during the civil war and, while the government has encouraged them to return, not all returnees have been able to reclaim and rebuild their property. Efforts to return and settle those displaced are ongoing, but tight budgetary constraints, shattered infrastructure, and lack of schools and economic opportunities have slowed the process. [2a][5g] The Lebanese have always been free to travel abroad, but travel to Israel remains prohibited by law. Even a foreign visitor to Lebanon with all the correct documentation will be refused entry if their passport contains an Israeli stamp. [5a][3b]

6.12 According to the consul at the Embassy of Lebanon in Ottawa, prisoners - on completion of their sentence, which may be reduced for good behaviour - are not subject to a period of probation or parole. Consequently, a former prisoner would be free to travel abroad on expiry of his or her sentence. Persons that are believed to be a national security

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risk, or have charges against them pending, may be placed under surveillance. However, only the latter would have their ability to leave the country restricted. [2n]

Employment Rights

6.13 According to the USSD report on Human Rights Practices for 2002, all workers, except government employees, may establish and join unions and have a legal right to strike. Worker representatives must be chosen from those employed within the bargaining unit. Approximately fourteen per cent of the 900,000 active labour force are members of 210 labour unions and associations. The major umbrella organisation, the General Confederation of Labour, embraces 37 of the unions' federations, which amounts to around 200,000 workers.[5g] The Government sets a legal minimum wage, currently approximately $200 (300,000 Lebanese pounds) per month. The law is not enforced effectively in the private sector and the minimum wage is not sufficient to provide a decent standard of living. The Labour Law prescribes a standard 6-day working week of 48 hours, with a 24-hour rest period per week however, in practice, Lebanese workers work fewer hours than the maximum allowed. [5g]

6.14 Labour laws do not protect foreign domestic workers, who can be subjected to mistreatment, abuse and rape by their employers. Foreign workers do not usually sign their employment contract, which is written in Arabic so they are unlikely to understand it in any case. On arrival in Lebanon, their employer or recruitment agency generally confiscates their passports and their conditions of work are, more often than not, far worse and less well paid than that of Lebanese nationals. The Government did not provide foreign workers with relief from deportation, shelter, or access to legal, medical or psychological services in 2002 but full-time access to the government retention Centre for Foreign Persons was granted to social workers from the Caritas Migrant Centre. A very small number of exploited foreign workers have won cases against their employers and, although the judiciary did not usually acknowledge the violation of maids' rights, courts decided, in a few cases, in favour of workers against whom charges had been brought. [5g] To obtain a permis de séjour or carte de séjour permanent, a worker must meet one of a number of criteria. [See source [2o] for details]

Return to Contents 6B HUMAN RIGHTS: SPECIFIC GROUPS

Women

6.15 The USSD report on Human Rights Practices 2002 states that violence against women is a problem and the law does not contain any specific provisions for the prohibition of domestic violence. The press reports cases of rape with increasing frequency and cases reported are thought to be only a fraction of the actual number. [5e] There are no authoritative statistics on the extent of spousal abuse but most experts agree that the problem affects a significant portion of the female population. [5g] Amnesty International reported that violence against women in the community increased during 2002. [8e] Battered or abused women do not often talk about their suffering for fear of bringing shame upon their families or accusations of misbehaviour upon themselves. Some religious courts legally may require a battered wife to return to the house in spite of physical abuse and many women are compelled to remain in abusive marriages because of social and familial pressures. The potential to lose custody of children and the absence

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

of an independent source of income also prevents women from leaving their husbands. [5g]

6.16 The legal system has been criticised by NGOs and others for apparently being discriminatory in its handling of so-called "honour crimes". Despite a reported average of two to three "honour crimes" per month in 2002, no person has been convicted in a case that has legally been deemed an "honour crime" and men reportedly continued to commit "honour crimes" with virtual impunity in 2002. [5g][8e] Whilst women may own property they often cede control of it to male relatives for cultural reasons and because of familial pressure. Religious groups administer their own family and personal status laws. Women have the right to vote and there are no legal barriers to their participation in politics; however, there are significant cultural barriers, and women are underrepresented in government and politics. No woman has ever held a cabinet position. In September 2000, three women were elected to the 128-seat Parliament. [5g]

Return to Contents Children

6.17 In 1998, Parliament enacted a law rendering education free and compulsory to age thirteen. [25a] According to the United Nations' Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 2004, ninety-eight per cent of six to eleven year olds were at school and "Lebanon has achieved most of the goals of the World Summit for Children". [25b] Despite specific and restrictive laws concerning many children from low-income families were compelled by their parents to seek employment. Due to their age, wages earned by these children are not in conformity with labour regulations and they often work longer hours than permitted in law. There were a large number of abandoned children in the streets nation-wide, some of whom survive by begging, others by selling services or goods. The Government does not have a child protection law to remove children from abusive situations, nor do the NGO's have adequate legislative authority to litigate on behalf of minor children who are victims of abuse. [5g][25a] In 2002, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern that children of fifteen years of age had allegedly been tortured and ill treated in incommunicado detention. [8e]

6.18 Children are known to participate in various armed groups operating in the country. There are no indications of persons who are younger than eighteen serving in government armed forces. Lebanon has not signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding the involvement of children in armed conflict. [40]

Return to Contents Palestinians

6.19 There are approximately 383,000 to 392,000 Palestinian refugees registered with the UNWRA authorities in Lebanon, about half of whom live in twelve official refugee camps. [13][5g][1] However, it is believed that this figure includes Palestinians who have now left Lebanon resulting in the number of Palestinians actually residing in Lebanon being closer to 150,000 to 200,000. The Lebanese government has often stated that it will not accept the permanent settlement of Palestinian refugees, preventing the expansion of the borders of the camps and has inhibited construction of buildings within the camps. Palestinian refugees are prohibited from buying property in Lebanon, lack basic civil rights and are ineligible for most public services, for which they rely on UNRWA instead. [13]

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Palestinians, excepting women who marry Lebanese men, are unable to obtain Lebanese citizenship. [5g] Palestinian refugees are at risk of arbitrary detention and, in September 2002, two Palestinian civilians were killed when the Lebanese army stormed al-Jalil camp with the objective of seizing weapons and documents from an abandoned office. [8e]

Palestinian Refugee Camps

6.20 There are twelve refugee camps in Lebanon, as follows:

Camp Location Population*

Ein el-Hilweh Saidon 44,953

Nahr el-Bared Tripoli 30,620

Rashidieh Tyre 25,263

Burj el-Baraineh Beirut 20,182

Burj el-Shamali Tyre 18,471

Beddawi Tripoli 16,038

Shatila Beirut 12,130

El-Buss Tyre 9,986

Wavel Baalbek 7,492

Mieh Mieh Saidon 5,008

Dbayeh Beirut 4,202

Mar Elias Beirut 1,413

Dikwaneh, Jisr el-Basha & Beirut & 15,838 Nabatieh South Lebanon (destroyed camps)

Refugees distributed throughout the camps 10,335

*Registered refugees [33b][33c]

Return to Contents

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Near East (UNRWA)

6.21 In 1949, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Near East (UNRWA) was set up as a special UN agency, with a remit to assist Palestinian refugees in their host countries. Such assistance covers health care, education and training, and social and emergency aid. [33a] As of 30 June 2003, there were 391,679

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, approximately ten per cent of the country's population. 43,156 of which are registered with the Agency's 'special hardship' (SH) programme. [33c] Only those who originally arrived in 1948-9, and their descendants, are entitled to register with UNRWA. [5g] In Lebanon, UNRWA runs seventy-nine schools with approximately 42,259 enrolled pupils in the 2001/2002 academic year. The agency also operates twenty-five primary health care facilities. [33b] In addition, UNRWA provides emergency aid to families unable to support themselves. [34] In 2002, UNRWA was forced to implement austerity measures and cut services due to budget cuts while factions in Ein el-Hilweh camp accused its officials of corruption and a chief auditor with UNRWA was arrested whilst allegedly smuggling medicine meant for Palestinians out of the country. [13]

Employment Opportunities

6.22 The Government officially ended its practice of denying work permits to Palestinians in 1991. However, in practice, few Palestinians receive work permits, and those are mainly for unskilled occupations. Additionally, Palestinians are banned from working seventy-two skilled professions and Palestinians able to find work have seen their incomes decrease in recent years. [5g][13] The PLO formerly employed as much as fifty per cent of the Palestinian workforce but, in recent years, it has closed many of its offices in Lebanon. [2a][5b]

Residence Status and Documentation

6.23 In effect, there are four categories of refugee residence status in Lebanon:

- 1948 refugees registered with UNRWA, the Directorate-General for Palestinian Affairs (DGPA) and the Sureté Générale; - 1948 refugees not registered with UNRWA, but registered with the DGPA and the Sureté Générale; - 1967 refugees also not registered with UNRWA, but only with the authorities; - refugees not registered with UNRWA or with the authorities.

6.24 UNRWA only registers those who were made refugees by events in 1948-9, and their descendants. The number of Palestinians not registered with either UNRWA or the authorities is believed to be very small. The DGPA issues blue identity cards to all Palestinian refugees, from both 1948 and 1967. These cards, if lost, can be replaced without difficulty upon request. The DGPA also issues birth, family and civil status certificates. The only exceptions are 1948 refugees registered only with the Sureté Générale and the DGPA, who are issued with white identity cards. The Sureté Générale issues 1948 refugees, registered with UNRWA, five-year travel documents, renewable without difficulty for further five-year periods. 1967 Palestinians, who are registered with the Lebanese authorities but not with UNRWA, are issued one-year laissez-passers, as are white-card holders. [34]

Return to Contents Freedom of Movement

6.25 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon are free to relocate from one camp to another, although their freedom of movement can be restricted. [3c][8e] Also, their ability to move to another camp depends on whether they can find appropriate accommodation. In the already overcrowded southern camps, El-Buss, Burj el-Shemali and , Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

construction work is prohibited and there is little habitable space for newcomers. In Beirut, the North and the Beka’a, living space is more plentiful and rents tend to be less. There is also no obligation for Palestinians to live in any one of the 12 refugee camps; nearly half of all Palestinian refugees in Lebanon live outside the camps. Nevertheless, for many it is too expensive for them to do leave the camps. [3c]

6.26 The Government issues laissez-passers (travel documents) to Palestinian refugees to enable them to travel and work abroad but the Government refused to issue visitors visas to Jordanian nationals who were born in Lebanon but of Palestinian origin. In January 1999, the Government revoked a decision that had required all Palestinian refugees who hold Lebanese travel documents to obtain entry and exit visas when entering or leaving the country, which helped ease travel restrictions on Palestinians. [5g] [13][16a]

Main Political Organisations

6.27 According to various reports, different refugee camps tend to be "controlled" by different political factions. Fatah, led by Yasser Arafat, is the main component of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). Fatah is currently believed to be in overall ‘control’ of the largest refugee camp, Ein el-Hilweh, but various groups opposed to Fatah also have a presence in Ein el-Hilweh, such as Asbat al-Ansar. Fatah is also reported to be active in the camps in the south, around Tyre. However, there is said to be virtually no support for Arafat in the northern camps. [2k][5g][34][50] A Professor of political science, who specialises in Palestinian refugee studies, stated in correspondence with the Canadian Immigration Research Board, dated 23 August 2002, that he considered the practice of forced recruitment in Palestinian refugee camps unlikely to occur. He said that individuals could simply seek protection from one of the other factions or leave the camp if necessary. [2q]

6.28 Palestinian groups are reported to operate an “autonomous and arbitrary system of justice” in the refugee camps, and to threaten and harass their political rivals. In principle, Lebanese jurisdiction operates within the refugee camps but in practice, the authorities are limited in their ability to assert their authority and enforce the law within camp boundaries. However, in 2002, the Lebanese authorities were able to apprehend fugitives who had sought refugee in the camps. [5g] In July 2002, a stand-off was prevented from escalating when a Lebanese Shiite militant hiding in Ein el-Hilweh camp was handed over to the authorities by members of Usbat al-Ansar. [23e][23f] In September 2002, Lebanese troops entered al-Jalil camp to raid abandoned Fatah Revolutionary Council offices sparking violent clashes with residents of the camp. [23i]

6.29 In a 1998 Danish fact-finding mission Souheil Al-Natour, a lawyer and journalist and a member of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), stated that all Palestinian factions agreed that conflicts between themselves would jeopardise the camps and their own existence in Lebanon. He therefore saw the risk of armed conflict as very slight, whereas political disagreement remained considerable. [34] According to the US State Department report on Human Rights Practices for 2002, there has been no actual armed conflict within the camps since the period immediately after the split within Fatah in 1982. [5g][34] However, BBC news reports in 2002 and 2003 indicate that violent exchanges between factions have occurred in the past year in Ein el-Hilweh camp [23r][23h][23g].

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

6.30 The main organisations in opposition to Arafat/PLO, which are all pro-Syrian, are collectively known as the ‘ten factions’:

- DFLP (Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, led by Naif Hawatmeh) - PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, led by George Habash) - PFLP-GC (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, General Command, led by Ahmad Jibril) - Fatah al-Intifada (led by Abu Musa) - Hamas - Islamic Jihad - Al-Saiqa - a faction of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front - a faction of the Palestinian Liberation Front (PLF) - a faction of the Palestinian Communist Party, commonly known as the People’s Party.

The Fatah Revolutionary Council, which was led by Abu Nidal who reportedly died in Iraq in August 2002, does not form part of the ‘ten factions’. The DFLP and PFLP, which are said to be roughly equal in strength, are secular, whereas Hamas and Islamic Jihad are fundamentalist. [34] With the exception of Ein el-Hilweh, the camps in the central and northern regions of Lebanon are currently 'controlled' by pro-Syrian/anti-Arafat political organisations. However, the general political climate in the Middle East has become fluid since October 2000 and this could cause residents of the camps in Lebanon to switch their allegiance suddenly.

6.31 The following chart contains a rough guide to reported political presence in the Nahr el-Bared and Ein el-Hilweh refugee camps, where such information is available. However, the lists are by no means exhaustive and their accuracy may fluctuate due to the ongoing power struggles in the refugee camps.

Camp Name Location Political Presence Nahr el-Bared Tripoli 1. Palestinian National Liberation Movement or Palestinian Liberation Organisation (Fatah/Fateh), 2. Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), 3. Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), 4. Popular Front for the Palestinian General Command, 5. Palestine Liberation Front, 6. Arab Liberation Front, 7. Palestinian Socialist Party, 8. Palesinian Islamic Jihad Movement, 9. Islamic Resistance Movement - Hamas, 10. Vanguard for the Popular Liberation War, Thundarbolt Forces, 11. Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PSF), 12. Usbat al-Answar/Usbat al-Ansar. [2s] Ein el-Hilweh Saidon 1. Fatah/Fateh, [2k][5g][34] 2. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), [2p][2r] 3. Asbat al-Ansar/Usbat al-Answar, [50] 4. Asbat al-Nour, [23r][2t] 5. Islamic Mujahed Movement, 6. Hamas, 7. Saiqa Organisation, [2t] 8. Al-Dinniyah [2u]

6.32 There have been suggestions of al-Qaeda operatives infiltrating Lebanon and the refugee camps particularly since 11 September 2001. Fighting in Ein el-Hilweh camp in

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

August 2002 was blamed by Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz on newly arrived al-Qaeda operatives but officials in Lebanon pointed to a conflict between one of the Palestinian factions and Lebanese Sunni fundamentalists as the cause. [23h] Sources in the camps also said that the local headquarters of Fatah and one of its checkpoints were attacked by "Islamic militants" and security forces claimed members of the Dinniyeh group who are in hiding in the camp were the aggressors. [23g] Ha'aretz estimated that between 150 and 200 al-Qaeda operatives had entered the camp but the BBC correspondent stated that, while some residents of the camp may have had links to al-Qaeda, it is unlikely that non- Lebanese al-Qaeda activists had managed to obtain admission to Ein el-Hilweh. [23h]

Return to Contents Asbat al-Ansar

6.33 Asbat al-Ansar is a Sunni extremist Salafist group that was founded by Hisham Shreidi and is based in Ein el-Hilweh. The group is comprised of approximately 300 militant Palestinians living and operating in Lebanon. Their leader, Abou Ahjan also known as Abdel Karim as-Saadi, was sentenced to death in absentia by a Lebanese court on three separate occasions for a murder he allegedly committed in 1996. According to the Center of Defense Information, its members believe "their struggle justifies violence against civilians" and they are "opposed to any peace with Israel". [50]

6.34 The group was reportedly responsible for low-level attacks on 'un-Islamic' targets in Lebanon since the early 1990s and accusations of murder have been collectively levelled at its members. Asbat al-Ansar has allegedly had access to financial support from al-Qaeda since the year 2000 and has made more high profile since the beginning of the century. However, its last major plot, which was allegedly against foreign embassies in Beirut, was thwarted in October 2001 and the group has since been preoccupied with internal and external attempts to diminish the leader's control of Ein el-Hilweh and other Palestinian camps. [50] It was reported in February 2004 that Mohammed Shreidi, the last surviving son of the Hisham Shreidi, had allegedly been shot dead in Ein el-Hilweh. [23ag]

Lebanese Forces (LF)

6.35 The Lebanese Forces (LF) were, during the 1980s, the largest and most powerful Christian militia in Lebanon. [2a] The LF was the military arm of the Lebanese Front, a coalition of Maronite leaders, in which the Phalangist Party was dominant. [17a] The LF, backed by Israel during the 1975-1990 civil war, was accused of political assassinations and numerous sectarian killings during the conflict. [2d][4a] In 1991, the Lebanese Forces were officially disarmed and became a political party. The party was banned in 1994 but the anti-Syrian group has reportedly remained influential among the Maronite Christian community and some Lebanese Forces members were still active in Lebanon in 2002. [5g][14b]

6.36 The LF's former leader, Samir Ja'Ja' (or Geagea), is currently serving multiple life sentences for the murder or attempted murder of various political figures during and after the Civil War. In 2002, he was being held in solitary confinement, reportedly for his own protection. Christian Lebanese who are suspected of being Lebanese Forces or Ja'Ja' supporters have reportedly been arrested and forced to sign affidavits declaring that they would not involve themselves in politics before they were released. [5g][14b] There were reports of "suspicious" deaths in 2002, which led some to believe that former Lebanese

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

Forces members or Maronite Christian leaders were being "systematically eliminated". [14b]

Aoun ('Awn) Supporters

6.37 General Aoun, a Maronite Christian, has lived in exile in France since 1991 after leading an unsuccessful attempt to drive Syrian forces from Lebanon. [4b] In August 2000, General Aoun called for a boycott of the forthcoming parliamentary elections. [30] State Prosecutor Adnan Addoum confirmed on 22 September 2000 that investigations were continuing following charges against Aoun of alleged embezzlement of public funds, usurping power, and instigating sectarian strife. [29]

6.38 In 2002, the Lebanese authorities arrested members of the unauthorised (FPM), which is led by General Aoun. These arrests were generally as a result of involvement in anti-Syrian demonstrations and the distribution of political leaflets. [8e] Christian Lebanese who are suspected of supporting General Aoun have reportedly been arrested and forced to sign affidavits declaring that they would not involve themselves in politics before they were released. [14b]

Return to Contents Hizbollah/Hezbollah

6.39 Iranian Revolutionary Guards sent to Lebanon founded Hizbollah in 1982. A seven-member Shura Council runs it. The Secretary-General is Sheikh . [24][49] The organisation is not directly controlled by either the Syrian or Iranian governments, but the three are said to share a symbiotic relationship. Iran is the major supplier of arms and funds to Hizbollah and its leaders are said to have a strong influence on Hizbollah in political and ideological affairs. [24] However, Iran's President Khatami clearly indicated during his visit to Lebanon in May 2003 that, were Lebanon, Syria or Hizbollah to give Israel "a pretext for an escalation", they would find themselves without the military support of Iran. [23q] Syria's relationship with Hizbollah is reportedly based primarily on shared short-to-medium term goals with regard to Israel. Syria controls the flow of arms from Iran to Hizbollah, via Damascus airport. [24] Both Syria and Lebanon were reportedly under pressure from the United States of America in 2003 to stop the activities of Hizbollah, which is seen as a legitimate political as well as military organisation by both countries. [23p]

6.40 Hizbollah maintains a strong presence in predominantly Shi'a areas such as parts of West Beirut and the southern suburbs of Beirut, Ba'albek and the Beka'a Valley in the east, and throughout southern Lebanon. Lebanese government control over Hizbollah, which has remained legally armed in order to fight against the Israeli occupation forces in the south, is said to be limited. However, Hizbollah has been willing to submit to state authority, especially regarding criminal justice. [2a][2b] There have been no reports of Hizbollah harassing or threatening people who publicly disagree with its policies. It does not recruit its members by force. The leadership of Hizbollah is aware that there is a large section of the Lebanese population that disagrees with its ideology, and there have been no known instances where the government has had to provide protection to ordinary citizens because they were afraid of Hizbollah. [2b]

6.41 There is reportedly a strong separation between the political and military wings of Hizbollah and a party member is not necessarily a military man. [24] Hizbollah has 11

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

members of parliament and operates five hospitals, 23 schools and various businesses and charities. [48][45] The military wing, also known as 'Islamic Resistance', is estimated to consist of a core of 300-400 well-trained, experienced guerrilla fighters, and around 2000-3000 reserves. [18][24] Recruits for military operations are volunteers and there is apparently no lack of new recruits [2b][2h] they pass through a strict screening process to eliminate possible double agents. [2b][10] Recruitment for the Islamic Resistance requires strong ideological beliefs, as well as rigorous military training. The principal ideological beliefs are sacrifice to the cause of liberation of Lebanese territory, and martyrdom. The Islamic Resistance leadership must be totally convinced of the person's trustworthiness, something that cannot be ascertained in a short period of time. [2b][7a][18] A third group, the 'External Security Organisation', is Hizbollah's terrorist arm and this specific group is proscribed under the United Kingdom's Terrorism Act 2000. [57] The group's known or suspected activities include truck bombings against US targets in Lebanon in 1983 and 1984, the kidnapping and detention of Western hostages in Lebanon and an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Argentina in 1992. [56]

6.42 According to the USSD report on Human Rights Practices for 2002, Hizbollah has, on occasion, undermined the authority of the Lebanese government and interfered with the application of law in parts of the country not completely under government control. [5g] However, according to the Secretary-General of the UNIFIL's report, dated July 2003, the Government of Lebanon has demonstrated its ability to increase its authority throughout southern Lebanon. [15c] Hizballah forces through early 2002 have continued to launch sporadic military strikes on Israeli positions, drawing responses that have produced casualties on both sides. UNIFIL has recorded numerous violations of the Blue Line by both sides since Israeli withdrawal. [5g][15b][15c] The USSD report on Human Rights Practices for 2002 stated that there were no reports in 2002 of the perpetration of arbitrary arrests by Hizbollah. [5g]

6.43 Shells from Hizbollah's anti-aircraft fire have landed in Israeli territory, killing and wounding civilians. Although it is difficult to know if Hizbollah intends this, in the past Israel has responded as though these 'attacks' are deliberate. [23u][23v][1] Hizbollah fighters have also launched clearly deliberate attacks on Israeli positions in January, August and October 2003. [23n][23t][23z] In January and May 2002 and August 2003, there were car bombings in Lebanon which killed a former cabinet minister, the son of the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, General Command (PLFP-GC) and a member of Hizbollah respectively. All of these incidents were blamed on Israel or were said to have advantaged Israel in some way. [23d][23s][1] In the final months of 2003, Israeli media speculation of the inevitability of a serious escalation in the sporadic conflict increased. [23ab]

Hizbollah's Relations with Amal

6.44 On the surface, cordial relations exist between the two major Shi'ite organisations, as witnessed by their co-operation in the 2000 parliamentary elections. However, tensions continue to simmer between their respective supporters in the south. [24] On 15 July 2000, for example, two Hizbollah guerrillas were killed and three wounded in an armed clash with Amal near the southern town of Marjayoun, after the two groups began ripping up posters of their rivals' leaders. [23g] In September 2003, a clash between members of Hizbullah and Amal, caused by the hanging of political posters in a village , resulted in the wounding of two and death of one Hizbullah member when Lebanese troops opened fire on the two groups who were battling with sticks. [46b]

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

Amal

6.45 The Afwaj al Muqawamah al Lubnaniyyah (Lebanese Resistance Detachments) - Amal (meaning 'Hope' in Arabic) Movement - was established by an Iranian-born Shia cleric with Lebanese ancestry, Imam Musa Sadr, in 1975. During the early years of the civil war Amal was unpopular, first because Sadr refused to engage the movement in the fighting and then because Amal endorsed Syria's intervention in 1976. But the movement did gain in popularity during the late 1970s and was the most powerful Shia organisation and possibly the largest organisation in Lebanon. [51]

Nabih Birri (Berri)

6.46 Sadr disappeared whilst visiting in 1978 and was succeeded by Husayn Husayni (or Husseini) in 1979. [51] One year later Nabih Birri (or Berri), who is still President of the Amal Movement at the time of writing, succeeded him. [51][53] Birri began building his political power in earnest in the early 1980s when he was first appointed a Minister of State following his militia's involvement in forcing the Lebanese Army out of West Beirut. According to a dossier produced in the Middle East Intelligence Bulletin in December 2000, Birri was heavily relied upon by Damascus to counter the Fatah Movement's attempts at remilitarisation, resulting in a two-year war between Amal and pro-Arafat Palestinian camps during the mid-1980s. [52] He has been House Speaker since his victory in a rigged and largely boycotted election in 1992 and has been an instrumental supporter of the continuing physical and political presence of Syria in Lebanon. [53][52]

Return to Contents Homosexuals

6.47 Section 534 of the 1943 Penal Code states that homosexual acts between men and between women are punishable with a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year. Gay and lesbian guides indicate that discreet homosexual behaviour is possible, and that the authorities do not actively prosecute homosexuals, but open homosexual relationships are not allowed and there is no visible support for gay rights. [2l][2m][37]

6.48 Homosexuality has reportedly received increasing coverage by Middle East media outlets in recent years. [46a] The Daily Star published an article on the issue of societal discrimination against gays and lesbians in August 2003 and there was press coverage of the participation of 10 openly gay people in a March 2003 "No War, No Dictatorship" demonstration in Beirut. [16i][32] There are still numerous obstacles to the acceptance of homosexuals in society, such as its illegal status and the Islamic view that homosexuality is sinful and perverted. [46a] An essay published in The Gay & Lesbian Review in January 2002 explained one man's view of the methods, and accompanying risks, by which a homosexual may meet other men, although this would initially be only for sex. The ability of two men to have a meaningful relationship would be somewhat more restricted. It also highlighted the increased difficulties for lesbians because of the inability of apparently single women to live independently without incurring "severe familial and societal condemnation". [47]

Christians

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

6.49 Christian as well as Muslim religious holidays are recognised nationally; these include Christmas, Easter, All Saints Day and the Feast of Assumption. The Government reportedly supports interfaith understanding and religious figures who promote Islamic- Christian dialogue are encouraged to visit Lebanon. A steady decline in the number of Christians compared to Muslims in Lebanon is believed to be occurring. There are over a dozen Christian groups in Lebanon, the largest of which are the Maronites and the Greek Orthodox Church respectively. The religious pluralism and climate of religious freedom has attracted persons, such as Kurds, Shi'a and Chaldeans from Iraq and Copts from Egypt and Sudan fleeing their own countries on the grounds of alleged religion-based mistreatment, to Lebanon. [5f]

6.50 In 1999 and 2001 there were bomb and arson attacks against churches, believed to have been committed by Sunni extremists. Two days after one of these attacks in October 2001, a mosque was damaged in a fire believed to have been another arson attack. [5f] When the Lebanese or Syrian security forces have arrested Christians it appears that this is usually due to their anti-Syrian activities, rather than on the basis of their faith. [2c][2v]

Return to Contents South Lebanon Army (SLA) and Accused or Actual Collaborators

6.51 For 22 years, until 24 May 2000, the Israeli Defence Force had occupied a strip of land in the south of Lebanon referred to as the "security zone". This strip was roughly ten to fifteen kilometres wide and extended along the Israeli-Lebanese border for about eighty kilometres, accounting for some ten per cent of the area of Lebanon. The zone contained about one hundred and fifty small towns and villages, with an estimated resident population of just under 100,000, rising to about 150,000 in summer. Approximately forty per cent of the population in this area is Christian; most of the balance is Shi'a Muslim. [1][2a][22] The SLA was a militia force of approximately 2500 members which was armed, trained and financed by Israel to help patrol and defend the 'security zone'. In 1998-9, there were about 1,000 to 1500 Israeli troops also stationed within the zone. [2a][2f][17b][21a] Under Lebanese law, serving in the SLA has been a treasonable offence. [5b]

6.52 On 22 May 2000, by which time many of the Israeli troops had already been withdrawn, Hizbollah units attacked and overran a number of defensive positions manned by the SLA. The SLA totally collapsed and disbanded while the Israeli forces accelerated their withdrawal, completing it on 24 May 2000. [26][27] About 6500 residents of southern Lebanon sought refuge in Israel, including many former SLA militiamen and their families, and other people who were never in the SLA but may also have feared being branded as 'collaborators'. It had been feared that Hizbollah elements might enter Jezzine following the SLA evacuation to carry out revenge attacks on those who had been collaborating with the SLA. However, no such attacks took place. [20]

Return to Contents Acts of Retribution

6.53 Revenge killings did not occur after Hizbollah entered the former "security zone", as many had feared might be the case. There are no known reports of violent acts of retaliation against suspected 'collaborators' or their families attributed to members of

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Hizbollah or Amal. [14a] Hizbollah handed over former SLA militiamen and suspected 'collaborators' they detained to the Lebanese Army or gendarmerie. [8b] In spite of certain threatening and inflammatory remarks by Hizbollah leaders, it is evident that former SLA members, their families or others accused of 'collaboration', are not at risk of violent retribution from Hizbollah or other armed organisations in Lebanon. However, Hizbollah's stated position is that such people should surrender themselves to the Lebanese authorities to face trial. [16h]

6.54 There have been sporadic attacks by unknown assailants against former members of the SLA, since the Israeli withdrawal in May 2000. [17f] In 2003, there were bomb attacks on former SLA member's property resulting in damage to the property and, in at least one case, minor injuries to a member of the former SLA member's family. [21c][21d][17f]

Pre-trial treatment of detainees

6.55 After being arrested, many people were held in military detention centres prior to being transferred to prison in Beirut. Human rights organisations have reported that some prisoners were beaten, or faced other forms of ill-treatment, in some of these detention centres and that some prisoners had been held incommunicado for up to ten days following their arrest. [8b][28b] Amnesty International added that most detainees did not appear to have been badly treated, ‘apart from suffering incommunicado detention itself’. It was reported that there was severe overcrowding in Rumieh Prison in Beirut, to which most detainees were subsequently sent. [5b]

Military Court Trials

6.56 Following the withdrawal of the SLA from Jezzine in June 1999, 220 SLA members and support workers who surrendered themselves to the Lebanese authorities were held for trial by the Military Court in Beirut. Of the one hundred and fifty-one who had been sentenced by 16 September 1999, two had been sentenced to fifteen-year terms and one to seven years. Twenty had been acquitted for reasons of old age or poor health; all of the rest were given prison terms of up to two years, the vast majority of these being for three months to one year. [12][17b] The sentences imposed were considerably more lenient than the seven-year sentences proposed in the indictments; defence lawyers had argued that the defendants were victims of circumstance, not traitors, who joined the SLA under duress or due to financial necessity. [20] Approximately 3000 South Lebanese surrendered themselves to the Lebanese authorities, were arrested, or were captured by Hizbollah and handed over to the Lebanese Army. By the end of 2002, more than 2,900 had been tried and convicted by the Military Court in Beirut on various charges under the Penal Code. These included former SLA members, people who had been employed in the Israeli administration, had commuted to work in Israel, had conducted cross-border trade, or were suspected of having passed sensitive information to Israeli forces or the SLA. [5g][28b][27]

6.57 The Lebanese Bar Association and the human rights organisations, Amnesty International and FHHRL (Foundation for Human and Humanitarian Rights in Lebanon), have been critical of the manner in which the trials have been conducted. Court proceedings are open to the press and members of the public. [8b][28b] Cases are being heard in 'batches'. Amnesty International stated in June 2000 that "barely seven minutes are spent on each individual”. [8b] A Human Rights Watch representative said that, in June 2000, the time allocated to each defendant ranged from a minimum of two minutes to Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

a maximum of fifteen, with the length determined by the complexity of the case and the seriousness of the charges. [9b] Court officials and politicians have contended that this pace is necessary to "close a page on this period of occupation so as to leave open the route of reconciliation in Lebanon". [8b] The presiding judge questions defendants and refers to information in their files that has been collected by military intelligence investigators. [9b]

6.58 Judgements have been handed down late on the night of the defendant's court appearance. No reasons are given for the verdict. [28b][9b] Defence lawyers had earlier complained that they had not been allowed sufficient time to prepare a proper defence for the accused. [28b] More recently, however, defence lawyers have demanded and have been granted adjournments. [16e] FFHRL has commented that the atmosphere in the court has been "relaxed" and importantly, that defendants "have been spared scorn, insults and disrespect". [28b]

Return to Contents Sentences

6.59 Several defendants have been 'found innocent' by the court due to lack of evidence or 'doubt'. In a number of other cases, prosecution measures were dropped on the basis of 'disproof of criminal intent'. In a few cases, the judgement was "condemn and no punishment". Minors and those aged over sixty have been released. [28b] However, the majority of those who have stood trial so far have been found guilty of the charges against them, and their sentences have taken the form of a combination of one or more of the following:

- Prison sentences which were apparently served in the Lebanese prison system and not in military detention centres (where previous abuses are alleged to have taken place). - Fines, generally ranging from 400,000 to two million Lebanese Pounds (approx. £140 to £695 in February 2004) [58]. - Restraint orders: Many of those fined or imprisoned were also given an order preventing them from returning to their home districts for a period of months or years.

6.60 Sentences handed down to former SLA members have apparently depended on such factors as the rank they held, the circumstances under which they joined, the nature of their duties, and whether they had previously served in the (national) Lebanese Army. It appears that ordinary militiamen ('foot soldiers', cooks, etc) have received prison terms of around 12 to 18 months. However, former senior officers in the SLA, or those who served in al-Khiam prison and may be guilty of torture or other war crimes, would receive much harsher sentences. [28b] Those convicted of "entering Israel and doing business with the enemy" however, were generally fined and possibly imprisoned for a number of weeks or months, depending on the circumstances. [28b]

6.61 In June 2000, Amnesty International described the trials as "travesties of justice", adding: "Such summary trials, with barely seven minutes spent on each individual, neither allow the innocent to be acquitted nor ensure that those who may be guilty of war crimes will be discovered". [8b] A full and up-to-date assessment of these trials, however, would have to include the following facts:

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- Several defendants have been found innocent by the court due to lack of evidence. [28b] - In general, the sentences handed down have been more lenient than many had expected; and certainly more lenient than the prosecution and Hizbollah have been demanding. [16f] - Many cases have recently been adjourned to allow defence lawyers more time for preparation. In addition, the number of sessions per week has been reduced from three to one. - There is a right of appeal to the Military Supreme Court (although the appeals process is lengthly and expensive and appeals are not covered by legal aid). [16g] - The judicial process has been transparent; all court sessions have been open to the press and other observers.

6.62 However, in considering the apparent leniency of sentencing, it should be remembered that the vast majority of former SLA militiamen tried so far were ordinary ‘foot-soldiers’. It is believed that most of the former ranking officers and security or intelligence operatives fled to Israel, or abroad, in May 2000. Lebanese who fled the country when Israel withdrew continue to return. Approximately two thirds of the former militiamen and their families have now returned according to official sources. The total number of returnees now stands at approximately 4,100 out of some 6000. [21b]

Returnees

6.63 Despite the virtual certainty of trial and imprisonment, and the possibility of attack in South Lebanon, former SLA members and their families continued to return to Lebanon during 2003. The former members were reportedly arrested on return but their returning relatives were released and allowed to return to their villages in South Lebanon. [17d][21e][17e][21f][39] Agence France Presse quoted official police figures of 4,236 former SLA returnees in October 2003. [21f]

Return to Contents 6.C HUMAN RIGHTS: OTHER ISSUES

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

6.64 In 2002, there were no legal provisions for granting asylum or refugee status in accordance with the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Six months temporary admission and refuge can be granted to asylum seekers but not permanent asylum and the Lebanese Government generally co-operated with the offices of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and UNRWA, although there is no Memorandum of Understanding between UNHCR and the Government. [5g][13] Recognised refugees are generally allowed to remain for one year, during which time the UNHCR must find a resettlement solution if local integration or voluntary repatriation is not an option. [13] Refugees and asylum seekers were subjected to arbitrary arrest and ill treatment in 2002 and dozens were held in detention, some of whom were recognised refugees. [8e]

6.65 According to the UNHCR, there were nearly three thousand non-Palestinian refugees, primarily Iraqis and Sudanese, detained for illegal entry in 2002. The Surete General granted UNHCR officials access to the detainees during the year. However, there were credible reports that Iraqi Kurds seeking asylum were deported back to Iraq through

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Syria by the Surete Generale in 2002. [5g] Amnesty International reported that three hundred Iraqi nationals, some of whom were refugees and asylum seekers, were deported to countries were they would be at risk of forcible return to Iraq. [8e] The Surete Generale, which is in charge of border posts, operated a detention facility and in 2001, the Surete Generale opened a new detention facility, which reportedly provided somewhat better conditions than the old facility. All detainees, mostly Egyptians and Sri Lankans, were detained there pending deportation. Their detention was supposed to be one to two months, pending the regularisation of their status. However, some, mainly asylum seekers, were detained for more than a year. [5g]

6.66 The Government met with international NGOs during the year 2002. The ICRC and AI maintained offices in the country. Government officials discussed human rights problems with representatives of foreign governments and NGOs in 2002, one such example being a discussion with the Lebanese Foundation for Human and Humanitarian Rights issues regarding Iraqi asylum seekers in which the Foundation secured the non- deportation of Iraqi Kurds back to Iraq. [5g]

Return to Contents People Trafficking

6.67 The law does not specifically prohibit trafficking in persons; however, the Penal Code stipulates that "any person who deprives another of freedom either by abduction or any other means shall be sentenced to temporary hard labour". Lebanon was a destination for African and Asian women contracted as household workers, and Eastern European and Russian women contracted as dancers in adult clubs during 2002. If forced prostitution or forced rendering of sexual services occurred as a result of abduction, the Penal Code stipulates that the abductor is sentenced to at least one year in prison. [5g]

6.68 While there is no law specifically prohibiting trafficking and the Government did not prosecute such cases in 2002 the Government did take multiple new measures to counter trafficking during the year. This included signing the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children on 9 December 2002. Other anti-trafficking measures included the closure of approximately fifteen illegal employment agencies for violating trafficking related regulations by the Ministry of Labour, and participation in awareness programs. [5g]

6.69 A number of NGOs provided pro bono legal assistance and counselling to victims of trafficking and the Ministry of Labour has established a complaint procedure through which it says it will take an active role in complaint cases, although few victims of trafficking have used this procedure. In 2002, the Ministry of Labour also began implementing procedures for lodging complaints against employers or employment agencies. [5g]

Human Rights Organisations/Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

6.70 In August and September 2003, Human Rights Watch reported that human rights activists Dr Muhamed Mugraby and Samira Trad were arrested. Dr Mugraby has twice been barred from practising law, of which both his appeals against the decisions have not been heard. His August 2003 arrest was on charges of "impersonating a lawyer". Samira

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Trad was detained on 10 September 2003 and released the next day when she was told not to leave the country. [9d][9e][17b] Return to Contents Annex A Reference to Sources

[1] Europa Regional Surveys of the World, Middle East and North Africa 2004

[2] Documentation, Information and Research Branch, Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa, Canada (www.cisr.gc.ca/en/) a. Lebanon: Reconstruction and Security, November 1995 accessed on 9 December 1997 b. Lebanon: Information on Hizbollah, 16 July 1996 (LBN24635.E) accessed 9 on December 1997 c. Lebanon: Treatment of Christians, in Particular Maronites, by the Lebanese and Syrian authorities, 11 June 2002 (LBN39107.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 d. Lebanon: Information on the function of the Lebanese Forces Council, 15 January 1996 accessed on 13 July 1998 e. Lebanon: Information on the withdrawal of Syrian military forces from Lebanon; implications of such a withdrawal, 18 July 2003 (LBN41775.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 f. Lebanon: Information on the treatment of Muslims who join the South Lebanon Army (SLA), the treatment afforded to deserters… 27 June 1994 accessed on 13 July 1998 g. Lebanon: Current conscription practices, including the availability of alternative service and conscientious objection, 14 April 2003 (LBN41386.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 h. Lebanon: Information on whether Hizbollah forcibly recruits Catholic teenagers in the south to conduct military operations or suicide missions, 23 October 1995 1994 accessed on 13 July 1998 i. Lebanon: Information on conscription practices in the Lebanese Army, 22 September 1997 j. Lebanon: Whether the Lebanese government granted military exemptions to all males born between 1968 and 1972, 4 April 2002 (LBN38651.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 k. Situation in the Ein Helweh refugee camp near Sidon… 10 April 2000 (LBN34048.E) accessed on 1 August 2000 l. Lebanon: Information on the situation of homosexuals, 22 September 1996 (LBN24937.E) accessed on 17 October 2001 m. Lebanon: Update on situation of homosexuals, 22 July 1998 (LBN29771.E) accessed on17 October 2001 n. Lebanon: Security and exit procedures at Beirut International Airport… 26 April 2002 (LBN38920.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 o. Lebanon: Rights associated with Lebanese "permis de séjour", including renewability, right to enter, remain… 11 April 2002 (LBN38811.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 p. Lebanon: Update to LBN29514 of 16 June 1998 on the situation in the Palestinian refugee camp Nahr el-Bared… 25 August 2003 (LBN41866.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 q. Lebanon: Whether the various Palestinian factions practice forced recruitment… 28 August 2002 (LBN39483.E) accessed on 6 November 2003

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r. Lebanon: Activities of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) from 1999 to the present 23 August 2002 (LBN39593.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 s. Lebanon: Update to LBN36206.E of 21 December 2000 on a group named Asbat al-Ansar operating within the Ein el-Hilweh…camp 29 July 2002 (LBN39655.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 t. Lebanon: Update to LBN36249.E of 20 January 2001 on tensions between pro- Syrian and pro-Arafat factions in the Ein el-Hilweh… 29 July 2002 (LBN39656.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 u. Lebanon: Information on a group called Seer Dinniyeh, 25 June 2003 (LBN41673.E) accessed on 6 November 2003 v. Lebanon: Treatment of Christians by Syrians in Lebanon, particularly in Damour (Dâmoûr)(2002-2003) 2 April 2003 (LBN40437.E) accessed on 6 November 2003

[3] Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk/) a. Lebanon Country Profile, last updated 16 June 2003 accessed on 6 February 2004 b. Country Advice, last updated 4 November 2003 accessed on 23 December 2003 c. Letter from the British Embassy Beirut regarding Lebanon: Palestinian Refugees, 23 August 2000 d. Syria Country Profile, last updated 19 November 2003 accessed on 19 February 2004

[4] Reuters News Service a. Lebanese Group Charged With Syria Bombing, 10 July 1998 b. Lebanese Security Forces Disperse Aoun Supporters, 14 December 1997 c. Syrian Troops begin second redeployment, 4 April 2002 d. Syrian redeployment continues in Chouf, 8 April 2002 e. Cabinet votes to maintain Conscription, 5 January 2002

[5] United States Department Of State (www.state.gov/) a. Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1996 b. Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1999 c. Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 2000 accessed on 19 April 2001 d. Background Note: Lebanon, February 2002 accessed on 19 April 2001 e. Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 2001 accessed on 22 April 2002 f. International Religious Freedom Report 2002, published 7 October 2002 accessed on 19 November 2003 g. Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2002, published 31 March 2003 accessed on 6 November 2003

[6] Keesings Record of World Events 2003 a. January 2003 b. February 2003 c. April 2003 d. May 2003 e. June 2003

[7] The Guardian a. An Army of 400 that Israel Cannot Vanquish - 2 March 1999 b. The WHO Findings - 21 June 2000

[8] Amnesty International (AI) (www.amnesty.org/)

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004

a. AI Calls for Immediate Death Penalty Moratorium (MDE 18/03/00) 21 March 2000 b. Guilt and Innocence Blurred in Summary Trials (MDE 18/10/00) 22 June 2000 c. Lebanon: Amnesty International welcomes repeal of death penalty law (MDE 18/010/2001) 27 July 2001 accessed on 28 March 2002 d. Lebanon: Annual Report 2001, covering events from January - December 2000 accessed on 17 April 2002 e. Lebanon: Annual Report 2003, covering events from January - December 2002 accessed on 10 November 2003

[9] Human Rights Watch (HRW) (www.hrw.org/) a. Lebanon - Restrictions on Broadcasting: In Whose Interest? April 1997 b. Letter to President Emile Lahoud, 31 July 2000 accessed on 20 September 2000 c. World Report 2003, Middle East & Northern Africa Overview accessed on 10 November 2003 d. Lebanese Lawyer and Rights Activist Arrested, 9 August 2003 accessed on 10 November 2003 e. Lebanon: End Harassment of Rights Activists, 13 September 2003 accessed on 10 November 2003

[10] The Middle East Hizbollah opens its doors to all, December 1997

[11] Sunday Times Magazine Felt as good as we look, 25 June 2000

[12] Xinhua News Agency 17 Lebanese Pro-Israeli Militiamen Convicted, 16 September 1999 (via Lexis Nexis)

[13] United States Committee for Refugees (USCR) World Refugee Survey 2003 (via www.UNHCR.org/ accessed on 10 November 2003)

[14] United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm) a. Lebanon: Information on South Lebanese Army (SLA) Members and Their Families after the Israeli Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon in May 2000 (LBN02001.SND) dated 21 February 2002 accessed on 18 February 2004 b. Lebanon: Information on Lebanese Forces Militia (LBN03002.NYC) dated 6 November 2002 accessed on 28 January 2004

[15] United Nations a. Commission on Human Rights: Civil and Political Rights, Including the Question of: Conscientious Objection to Military Service, 17 December 1999 accessed on 10 April 2000 b. Security Council - Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), (for the period from 21 July 2001 to 16 January 2002) 16 January 2002 c. Security Council - Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (for the period from 15 January 2003 to 23 July 2003) 23 July 2003 accessed December 2003

[16] The Daily Star, Beirut a. Beirut Tightens Visa Rules - 19 March 1999 (via Reuters)

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b. Elections: Round One Results, 30 August 2000 (via www.10452lccc.com/ accessed on 8 September 2000) c. Elections: Round Two Results, 5 September 2000 (via www.10452lccc.com/ accessed on 8 September 2000) d. Berri Retains Speakership with Flourish, 18 October 2000 accessed 18 October 2000 e. Court Puts Off Collaboration Trials, 24 August 2000 (via Reuters) f. Ex-SLA Militiamen Get Light Sentences, 20 August 2000 (via Reuters) g. Trial opens for suspected SLA members, 12 October 2000 (via Reuters) h. Homes of SLA officers blown up in South, 8 August 2001 accessed 8 August 2001 i. Gays and lesbians face uphill battle for acceptance (via www.gaymiddleeast.com/ - accessed on 11 December 2003) j. Berri claims naturalization is 'a death sentence to Lebanon', 20 February 2004 (via www.terra.net.lb/ - accesssed on 20 February 2004)

[17] The Associated Press a. Lebanon's Fractious Christians by Steven K. Hindy, 21 September 1982 (via Lexis Nexis) b. Court Sentences 29 Former Pro-Israeli Militiamen to Prison, 26 August 1999 (via Lexis Nexis) c. Human rights lawyer arrested in Lebanon - 9 August 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) d. Nine former Israeli-allied militiamen and families return to Lebanon from Israel, 28 August 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) e. Former Israeli-allied militiamen return to Lebanon from Israel with their families, 18 September 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) f. Small bomb explodes in car of Lebanese man believed to be former member of Israel-allied militia, 1 November 2003 (via Lexis Nexis)

[18] Financial Times Hizbollah Sharpens Up Its Tactics, 2 March 1999

[19] The World Bank (www.worldbank.org/) a. Lebanon Data Profile, August 2003 accessed December 2003 b. Country Brief, August 2003 accessed December 2003

[20] Los Angeles Times Israel's Allies in Lebanon Face Unsure Future, 17 January 2000 (via Lexis Nexis)

[21] Agence France Presse a. Israel's Military Presence in South Lebanon, 6 March 2000 (via http://sg.dailynews.yahoo.com/ accessed on 7 March 2000) b. Two-thirds of exiled Lebanese Christians have returned from Israel: police, 17 January 2002 (via Lexis Nexis) c. Blast hits home of former Israel collaborator in south Lebanon, 3 January 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) d. Explosive charge found in Lebanon near home of former Israeli collaborator, 7 January 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) e. Some 50 Lebanese return home from Israel, 4 September 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) f. Nineteen Lebanese return home from Israel, 1 October 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) g. Israelis Want to Keep Barghouti in Solitary, 23 January 2004 (via www.palestinechronicle.com/ accessed on 20 February 2004)

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[22] Mideast Mirror South Lebanon: The Strangest War on Earth? Vol.3 No.104, 3 June 1999 (via Lexis Nexis)

[23] British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) a. Lebanese Prime Minister Admits Defeat, 4 September 2000 accessed on 5 September 2000 b. Muslim Rivals Clash in Lebanon, 16 July 2000 accessed on 20 July 2000 c. Syrian troops to leave central Lebanon, 03 April 2002 accessed on 15 April 2002 d. Militant blames Israel for Beirut blast, 20 May 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) e. Lebanon's no-go Palestinian areas, 12 July 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) f. Handover end Lebanon stand-off, 16 July 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) g. Palestinian refugee camp hit by clashes, 13 August 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) h. Lebanese dismiss al-Qaeda report, 2 September 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) i. Violence erupts in Lebanese camp, 4 September 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) j. Lebanese media fight TV station closure, 5 September 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) k. Lawyers strike over TV closure, 6 September 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) l. Lebanese banks bail out government, 11 December 2002 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) m. Lebanon bans programme on Saudi Arabia, 1 January 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) n. Hezbollah clashes with Isreali troops, 22 January 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) o. Israeli jets buzz Lebanon, 31 January 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) p. Powell pushes for Syria action, 3 May 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) q. Hexbollah under pressure, 16 May 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) r. Clashes in Lebanon camp, 19 May 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) s. Timeline: Lebanon, 6 August 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) t. US warning over Hezbollah attack, 8 August 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) u. Israelis retaliate in south Lebanon, 10 August 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) v. Israelis hit back at Lebanon, 11 August 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) w. US urges Israel border restraint, 11 August 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) x. Israeli jets fire on Lebanon, 3 September 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003)

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y. Country Profile: Lebanon, 11 September 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) z. Israeli soldier killed on Lebanon border, 7 October 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) aa. Lebanese strike over budget cuts, 23 October 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) ab. Israelis see Hezbollah escalation (includes quotes from Ha'aretz, Yediot Aharonot, Israel radio, Ma'ariv and Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2003 (BBC Monitoring via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 December 2003) ac. Death penalty resumes in Lebanon, 17 January 2004 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 2 February 2004) ad. Lebanon bank denies Hamas probe, 23 September 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 19 February 2004) ae. Lebanon fast-food bombers jailed, 21 December 2003 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 19 February 2004) af. Mid-East prisoner swap complete, 30 January 2004 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 19 February 2004) ag. Militant 'heir' killed in Lebanon, 11 February 2004 (via www.bbc.co.uk/ accessed on 19 February 2004)

[24] Janes Intelligence Review Hisbullah - Lebanon’s Heir Apparent? 1 November 1999 (via Reuters)

[25] United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) (www.unicef.org/) a. Web site content as at 2 March 2000 b. 'At a glance: Lebanon' accessed on 17 February 2004

[26] Washington Post Israeli Allies Disintegrate in Lebanon, 23 May 2000 accessed 9 October 2000

[27] Jerusalem Telegraphic Agency Dazed, Disoriented, Defeated, SLA Fighters Now Just Refugees, 25 May 2000 (via Lexis Nexis)

[28] Foundation for Human and Humanitarian Rights/Lebanon a. The State of Human Rights in Lebanon (1999) b. FHHRL Report 3 and Reports on SLA Trials nos. 4 to 23 (May to August 2000) accessed on 18 August 2000, 22 August 2000, 26 - 28 October 2000.

[29] Lebanese-Canadian Co-ordinating Council News (www.10452lccc.com/) Addoum Keeps Aoun Case in Motion, 25 September 2000 accessed on 25 September 2000

[30] Canadian Lebanese Human Rights Federation His Excellency PM General Michel Aoun…, 3 August 2000 accessed on 18 August 2000

[31] United Press International (UPI) Hariri set to form Lebanon's new cabinet, 23 October 2000 (via www.vny.com/ accessed on 25 October 2000)

[32] An-Nahar

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The LGBT community's participation in Saturday's (March 15, 2003) "NO WAR, NO DICTATORSHIPS" demonstration in Beirut, 16 March 2003 (via www.gaymiddleeast.com/ - accessed on 11 December 2003)

[33] United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) (www.un.org/unrwa) a. Overview - accessed on 6 February 2004 b. Lebanon Refugee Camp Profiles accessed on 11 November 2003 c. Statistics as at 30 June 2003 accessed on 11 November 2003

[34] Danish Immigration Service Report on fact-finding mission to Lebanon, May 1998 accessed on 5 October 2000

[35] Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) (www.cpj.org/) a. Cases 2003: Middle East and North Africa: Lebanon - No cases accessed on 16 February 2004 b. Cases 2004: Middle East and North Africa: Lebanon - No cases accessed on 16 February 2004

[36] War Resisters International (www.wri-irg.org/) Refusing to bear arms: Lebanon, 1 April 1998 accessed 20 February 2004

[37] The International Lesbian and Gay Association (www.ilga.org/) World Legal Survey: Lebanon, updated 21 July 2002 accessed on 6 February 2003

[38] United States Office of Personnel Management Investigations Service (www.opm.gov/) Citizenship Laws of the World, March 2001 accessed on 20 February 2004

[39] The San Diego Union-Tribune Lebanon arrests 5 returning exiles, 10 October 2003 (Reuters via Lexis Nexis)

[40] The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers (www.child-soldiers.org/) Child Soldiers: Country briefings for the CRC at its 29th session, 14 January 2002 to 1 February 2002 accessed on 11 November 2003

[41] Lebanese Army (www.lebarmy.gov.lb/) a. Reminder for the People Born Between 1973 and 1984, 18 October 2003 accessed on 24 November 2003 b. Orientation Directorate release about military service, 11 November 2003 accessed on 24 November 2003

[42] Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (www.public-health.gov.lb/) Aids Program, Research, Prevention Programs accessed 3 December 2003

[43] Lebanon National Aids Control Program (via www.unaids.org/) National Composite Policy Index Questionnaire and covering letter, 17 April 2003 accessed on 31 October 2003

[44] World Health Organisation (www.who.int/) a. Country profile: Lebanon 2001 accessed 18 November 2003 b. Mental Project accessed on 2 December 2003

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[45] The Christian Science Monitor Lebanon's 'A-Team of terrorists' valued for social services, 19 May 2003 (via Lexis Nexis)

[46] Albawaba.com a. Summer lovin' - Arab Gays, Lesbians coming out of the closet…?, 7 August 2003 (via Lexis Nexis) b. Lebanese troops kill Hizbullah fighter following clashes with Amal, 22 September 2003 (via Lexis Nexis)

[47] The Gay & Lesbian Review Lebanon: Public discussion of homosexuality is increasing, although homosexual acts are prohibited…, January 2002 (via Lexis Nexis)

[48] The San Francisco Chronicle Hezbollah branches out to win support; Shiite militants become part of south Lebanon's fabric of life, 13 March 2003 (via Lexis Nexis)

[49] Arabicnews.com (www.arabicnews.com/) Nasrullah: we will strike Israel if it attacks Lebanon or Syria, 22 November 2003 accessed on 23 December 2003

[50] Center for Defense Information (www.cdi.org/) In The Spotlight: Asbat al-Ansar (Band of Partisans) dated 25 November 2002 accessed on 19 January 2004

[51] Library of Congress (http://countrystudies.us/) Amal, dated 1988 accessed on 19 January 2004

[52] Middle East Intelligence Bulletin (www.meib.org/) Nabih Berri, December 2000 accessed on 27 January 2004

[53] Libanvote.com (www.libanvote.com/) Nabih Mustafa Berri accessed on 27 January 2004

[54] Lebanonwire.com (www.lebanonwire.com/) Lebanon PM Hariri submits resignation, expected to form new government, 16 April 2003 accessed on 2 February 2004

[55] EU Presidency 2004 Website (www.eu2004.ie/) Presidency expresses dismay at Lebanese executions, 17 January 2004 accessed on 2 February 2004

[56] International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism (via www.terrorvictims.com/) Anti-Israel Terrorist Groups: Hizballah accessed on 19 January 2004

[57] The Home Office, United Kingdom (www.homeoffice.gov.uk/) Terrorist Groups accessed on 28 January 2004

[58] xe.com (www.xe.com/)

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The Interactive Currency Table™ - 'Base Currency is LBP Lebanon Pounds' accessed on 18 February 2004

[59] Reporters Without Borders (RSF) (www.rsf.fr/) a. French president urged to speak up for press freedom with prime minister, 3 January 2003 accessed on 16 February 2004 b. Prosecutor launches investigation into daily An-Nahar, 14 March 2003 accessed on 16 February 2004 c. Fear of threat to broadcast media after TV channel owner's arrest, 9 December 2003 accessed on 16 February 2004

[60] Guardian Unlimited (www.guardian.co.uk/) a. Prisoner swap may see potential Arafat successor freed, 23 September 2003 accessed on 19 February 2004 b. Israeli fighter jets strike south Lebanon, 20 January 2004 accessed on 19 February 2004

Return to Contents Country Information & Policy Unit February 2004

Lebanon Country Information Bulletin January 2004 - 1/2004