Dr. Fadi Gerges, President of the National Human Rights Commission, which includes the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Lebanon, extended his warmest congratulations to Mrs. Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council of the Kingdom of Morocco, on the occasion of her unanimous election as President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.
Dr. Gerges highlighted that this election represents international recognition of Mrs. Bouayach’s leadership role in promoting and protecting human rights at both national and international levels. It also reflects the growing role of African national institutions in advancing the global human rights system.
The National Human Rights Commission in Lebanon emphasized the significance of the role that Mrs. Bouayach will play in strengthening international cooperation, addressing contemporary human rights challenges, and ensuring more effective protection of rights and freedoms. The Commission also expressed its eagerness to work collaboratively under her leadership to enhance justice and human dignity, in line with international human rights standards.
The National Human Rights Commission in Lebanon’s Commitment to Obtaining Category “A” Accreditation
In this context, Dr. Gerges reaffirmed that the National Human Rights Commission in Lebanon continues to work diligently to achieve Category “A” accreditation from the United Nations. However, this process has been delayed due to the failure of three successive governments to approve the Commission’s regulatory decrees. Nevertheless, the Commission remains committed to pursuing this goal, especially after the resumption of institutional operations in Lebanon, the election of a new president, and the newly formed government’s vote of confidence.
The Importance of Category “A” Accreditation and Its Role in Enhancing the Commission’s Status
Category “A” accreditation is a fundamental international standard for the legitimacy and credibility of national human rights institutions. It requires compliance with the Paris Principles, which outline their independence, broad mandate, transparent appointment processes, and sufficient government funding to ensure effective autonomy.
This accreditation grants national human rights institutions significant international standing, allowing them to:
- Deliver oral statements at the United Nations Human Rights Council
- Participate in discussions and general sessions of the Human Rights Council, including during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of states
- Submit official documents under a United Nations document symbol
- Hold independent seats in all sessions
- Intervene directly after the concerned state during the interactive dialogue in the UPR and special procedure reports
- Nominate candidates for positions within the UN’s special procedures mechanisms
Next Steps to Obtain Category “A” Accreditation
The National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, is currently preparing all necessary documents and reports to apply for accreditation at the United Nations and join the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions under Category “A.”
Approving the Commission’s regulatory decrees is one of the most critical requirements for obtaining this accreditation. The documentation must also confirm that the Commission has adequate and independent government funding to effectively carry out its mandate in accordance with the Paris Principles.
Dr. Gerges concluded by stating:
“Securing Category ‘A’ accreditation is a top priority for the National Human Rights Commission in Lebanon. It will enhance our role on the international stage, allow us to actively contribute to UN human rights mechanisms, and ensure more effective protection of rights and freedoms in Lebanon. We hope that the appropriate institutional conditions will soon be in place to achieve this long-overdue goal, and we look forward to collaborating with all relevant parties to support this process.”
Regulatory Decrees Package for the Commission
In accordance with Article 7 of Law No. 62/2016, the National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, submitted its internal regulations and financial system, which contain the detailed rules governing its operations, to the Lebanese government on October 15, 2019. However, the decree is still awaiting approval by the Council of Ministers.
Notably, the Council of Ministers was supposed to approve the internal regulations and financial system on January 24, 2022. However, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice suspended this approval, claiming they had additional comments on the texts. This occurred despite the fact that the National Human Rights Commission had previously submitted the draft internal regulations to the State Council, incorporating its recommendations and comments, except for those that contradicted its founding law.
The Ministry of Justice prepared a draft decree regarding the allowances for members of the National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, on April 8, 2019. However, this decree has yet to be approved and now requires substantial amendments due to the depreciation of the national currency against foreign currencies.
In September 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to place the existing building on property No. 1622 – Chiyah at the Commission’s disposal. A memorandum of understanding between the Ministry and the Commission is to be prepared after the completion of renovation and rehabilitation work, outlining the terms of occupancy. However, this matter has not yet been finalized by the Council of Ministers.
Additionally, the Commission has drafted a system for contractors within the National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, which requires review by the State Council before it can be approved by the Council of Ministers.
Election of Mrs. Amina Bouayach
Mrs. Amina Bouayach was unanimously elected as President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions during a meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. She received the support of all three other regional groups within the alliance – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe – marking a historic moment that underscores the leadership role of African national institutions in promoting and protecting human rights on a global scale.
Her election follows strong endorsement from the African group, which officially nominated her for this position in January 2025. The President of the African Network of National Human Rights Institutions, Mr. Joseph Whittal, praised her exceptional leadership during her tenure as Secretary-General of the Global Alliance over the past three years. He highlighted her strategic oversight, international representation, and dedication to advancing human rights and freedoms at national, regional, and international levels.
In her speech following her election, Mrs. Bouayach expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her by her colleagues in national institutions. She emphasized that this position is both an honor and a great responsibility that requires constant vigilance and collective effort to address the current challenges in human rights. She also stressed the need to tackle a wide range of issues, including shrinking civic space, armed conflicts, equality concerns, violence against women, climate change, and increasing economic inequalities.
Mrs. Amina Bouayach succeeds former President Maryam Al-Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar, while Alison Kilpatrick, President of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, will assume the role of Secretary-General of the alliance.
The National Human Rights Commission in Lebanon reaffirms its firm commitment to achieving Category “A” accreditation and believes that Mrs. Bouayach’s election will strengthen international cooperation among national human rights institutions and support collective efforts to protect rights and freedoms worldwide.
