SDG 16 in Lebanon: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building accountable and effective institutions. In Lebanon, SDG 16 is particularly relevant due to the country’s complex political system, history of conflict, and ongoing challenges in governance, rule of law, and institutional accountability.

Lebanon’s Approach to SDG 16: Promoting Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Political and Institutional Challenges:

Lebanon’s political structure, based on a power-sharing system among its religious sects, has led to periods of political instability and institutional paralysis. The country faces challenges related to corruption, weak governance, and a lack of transparency in public institutions. The Lebanese government, with the support of international organizations, has been working to reform its institutions, strengthen the rule of law, and promote good governance to align with the goals of SDG 16.

Judicial Reforms:

A key component of achieving SDG 16 is the establishment of an independent and effective judiciary. Lebanon has made some efforts to reform its judicial system to improve access to justice and ensure that the courts operate free from political interference. The government has introduced initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of the judiciary and ensuring that legal processes are fair, transparent, and accessible to all citizens.

One example is the Lebanese Code of Civil Procedure, which aims to streamline judicial procedures and reduce delays in the court system. Additionally, efforts are being made to modernize the judiciary through digitalization, making legal services more accessible to the public.

Anti-Corruption Efforts:

Corruption has been a significant issue in Lebanon, impacting governance, public trust, and the delivery of basic services. In recent years, the Lebanese government, supported by international bodies like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union, has launched several anti-corruption initiatives.

The government adopted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2020-2025), which outlines measures to combat corruption, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability in public institutions. Additionally, Lebanon passed a Whistleblower Protection Law in 2018, which encourages the reporting of corruption and provides protections for those who come forward with information about corrupt practices.

Human Rights and Civil Liberties:

Lebanon has a strong civil society, which plays a crucial role in promoting human rights and advocating for democratic reforms. Despite this, the country faces ongoing challenges related to human rights, including discrimination, the treatment of refugees, and freedom of expression.

The government has taken steps to promote human rights through national institutions like the National Human Rights Commission and the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, which work to monitor and report on human rights issues in the country. However, there is still much work to be done to protect vulnerable groups and ensure that civil liberties are upheld.

Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding:

Lebanon’s history of civil war (1975–1990) and ongoing regional conflicts, particularly the Syrian refugee crisis, have impacted its social fabric and security. SDG 16 emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and addressing the root causes of violence.

The Lebanese government has worked to promote peace and security through initiatives like national dialogue platforms and partnerships with international organizations. These efforts aim to address sectarian tensions, promote reconciliation, and prevent the resurgence of violence. Additionally, Lebanon participates in international peacekeeping efforts and contributes to regional peace and stability.

Refugee Crisis and Social Inclusion:

Lebanon hosts one of the largest per capita refugee populations in the world, primarily from Syria and Palestine. The influx of refugees has placed pressure on Lebanon’s infrastructure and public services, leading to tensions in some communities. The government, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations, has been working to manage the refugee situation, while ensuring that basic human rights and services are provided to both refugees and host communities.

Social inclusion, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations, is a key focus of SDG 16. The government aims to foster social cohesion through initiatives that promote inclusion, human rights, and access to services for all, regardless of nationality or background.

Building Strong Institutions:

The effectiveness of public institutions in Lebanon has been a subject of concern, particularly in light of the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, which highlighted weaknesses in governance and institutional accountability. In response to these challenges, the government, alongside international organizations, has emphasized the need for public sector reform, capacity building, and the strengthening of institutions to ensure accountability, transparency, and service delivery.

The Lebanese Transparency Association and other civil society organizations work alongside government institutions to promote transparency, combat corruption, and improve governance. These efforts are essential for restoring public trust in Lebanon’s institutions and ensuring that they are capable of delivering justice and promoting peace.

Beirut Arab University and SDG 16: Fostering Peace, Justice, and Accountability

Beirut Arab University (BAU) is actively engaged in promoting SDG 16 through its academic programs, research, and community outreach initiatives. The university recognizes the importance of building peaceful and inclusive societies, fostering good governance, and preparing students to contribute to the rule of law, human rights, and social justice.

Legal Education and Research:

BAU’s Faculty of Law and Political Science plays a central role in advancing SDG 16 by educating students about the rule of law, human rights, and governance. The university offers a comprehensive legal education that emphasizes justice, equity, and the role of law in promoting peace and security.

Research conducted at BAU focuses on key issues related to governance, anti-corruption, judicial reform, and human rights. The university also organizes seminars, conferences, and workshops that address Lebanon’s legal and institutional challenges, fostering dialogue and collaboration between students, academics, and legal professionals.

Human Rights Education:

BAU integrates human rights education into its academic programs, ensuring that students understand the importance of protecting civil liberties, promoting social justice, and defending the rights of vulnerable populations. Through courses, debates, and extracurricular activities, BAU encourages students to engage with human rights issues and become advocates for justice in their communities.

The university’s Center for Human Rights organizes campaigns, awareness programs, and partnerships with international organizations to promote human rights education. These efforts help students gain practical experience in addressing human rights challenges and contribute to national and global efforts to advance SDG 16.

Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Initiatives:

BAU promotes transparency and accountability through research and awareness programs focused on combating corruption and improving governance. The university encourages students to take part in initiatives that promote ethical behavior, public sector reform, and institutional accountability.

BAU regularly collaborates with organizations such as Transparency International and local NGOs to organize events and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about corruption, promoting good governance, and encouraging youth participation in political and civic life. These activities align with the broader goals of SDG 16, fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility.

Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding:

Lebanon’s history of conflict and ongoing social tensions make conflict resolution and peacebuilding crucial components of SDG 16. BAU plays an active role in promoting peace and reconciliation by offering programs that teach students about conflict resolution, mediation, and the role of law in maintaining peace.

The university’s Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies organizes workshops and simulations that allow students to engage with real-world peacebuilding scenarios. These programs equip students with the skills needed to address sectarian tensions, resolve conflicts, and contribute to building a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Social Inclusion and Community Engagement:

BAU is committed to promoting social inclusion and engaging with marginalized communities. The university works with NGOs and local organizations to support initiatives that empower refugees, women, and disadvantaged groups. Through its Social Work Department, BAU provides students with the opportunity to engage in community service and social justice initiatives, helping to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion.

BAU also supports refugee education programs, offering scholarships and support services to refugees from Syria and Palestine. These efforts contribute to promoting social inclusion and fostering peaceful, cohesive communities in line with the goals of SDG 16.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Youth Participation:

Encouraging youth participation in governance and civic life is a priority for BAU. The university regularly organizes events and campaigns that promote democratic participation, the importance of voting, and the role of young people in shaping the future of Lebanon’s political landscape.

Through debates, Model United Nations (MUN) simulations, and student government activities, BAU fosters a culture of civic engagement and empowers students to take an active role in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Conclusion

Lebanon faces significant challenges in achieving SDG 16 due to political instability, corruption, and weak governance. The Lebanese government, in collaboration with international organizations, has made efforts to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions through judicial reform, anti-corruption initiatives, and social inclusion programs.

Beirut Arab University plays a vital role in advancing SDG 16 through its focus on legal education, human rights, anti-corruption, and peacebuilding. By promoting good governance, civic engagement, and social justice, BAU prepares students to contribute to a more peaceful and just society in Lebanon. Through its research, education, and community outreach initiatives, the university supports Lebanon’s efforts to build strong institutions and promote peace and justice for all.

Freedom of Expression in Lebanon

https://www.facebook.com/BeirutArabUniversity/posts/pfbid022E4Jax6BqGmW811LxbTkgMMGjPx49yiMaoAs2Y7DLMzxTCUsfxkJjQnELBvreWsKl

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in cooperation with Amnesty International Lebanon, organized a session on the issue of freedom of expression in Lebanon, and the resort of the Lebanese authorities and influential individuals, including political, judicial, religious and security figures, to criminal defamation and libel laws to harass, intimidate and silence people who criticize them or try to expose their behavior or corruption.

The session, moderated by Ms. Rena Wehbe from Amnesty International, included an introduction to the organization, its goals, and its work in Lebanon and the region, in addition to the campaign it launched under the title “My Opinion is Not a Crime” to support journalists and human rights defenders and to demand that the Lebanese Parliament repeal all laws that criminalize contempt, defamation, and slander.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

https://www.bau.edu.lb/BAUUpload/Library/Files/Uploaded%20Files/StudyAtBAU/UndergraduateCatalogue/2016-2017/Introduction/undergraduate-catalogue-student-activities-2016-2017.pdf

As Student Activities Department at Beirut Arab University, we plan & organize sports, social & artistic activities for students. We enhance university experience by providing events that are both inspiring & enriching. Through a variety of clubs, teams, & competitive groups, we strive to bring a sense of community to all BAU students.

We aim is to enrich campus life by providing services, facilities & opportunities for community development in Lebanon & abroad, multicultural experiences, personal growth & the acquisition of skills vital to the development of engaged citizens & future leaders to contribute in a global society.

We support students’ needs by helping them work with one another, building interpersonal relationships & gaining experiences with collaborative event planning. In turn, as students develop their skills, they grow as individuals to become leaders in their own field. As a Department we provide numerous benefits by giving the students the chance to participate in our activities so they will have a more enriched university life experience, develop valuable leadership, interpersonal skills & become more marketable when job searching.

Student Activities Department Goal

- Refining students’ personalities in social terms, in order to reflect the civilized image of the University (through workshops, lectures & other activities).

- Improving the points of strength of BAU students & work on their weaknesses.

- Developing capacities & skills for students to resolve obstacles & deal with problems.

- Developing leadership skills.

- Creating a sense of loyalty & affiliation with the university.

- Providing a healthy environment where students have all the space to express themselves.

- Offering communication skills among students through participating in all kinds of activities.

Extracurricular Activities & Clubs

Being a student is one of the most important & memorable experiences of a person’s life. In addition to academic pursuits, extracurricular activities make up a valuable part of the overall university experience. Students can develop their social & interpersonal skills by getting involved in running clubs. This will help to improve their teamwork skills, & ability to build meaningful relationship with friends & peers.

1. Sports Activities Division

- Enhance the physical quotient of the students by making them physically fit, strong, healthy & dexterous.

- Prepare students for growth & survival in a competitive world.

Clubs: Basketball (Men-Women), Football (Men-Women), Volleyball (Men-Women- Mix), Archery, Ping-Pong, Handball, Rugby, Swimming, Maui Thai, Kickboxing, Badminton, Tennis, & Chess. Gym Classes: Zumba & Body Pump.

1. Social & Cultural Activities Division

- Teach students how to get involved & engaged in the community’s social problems.

- Help students to improve their skills such as organizational, presentation, leadership & interpersonal communication.

Clubs: Environmental Protection Club, Adventure Club, Social Club, Lebanese Red Cross Youth Center - BAU Club, Entrepreneurship, Astronomy, & TEDx BAU.

1. Artistic Activities Division

- Make them aesthetically alive by induction into various arts. - Help them develop graceful expression through dance, feel the ecstasy of music, & emote through drama.

Clubs: Folk Dance, Modern Dance, Music Club, Drama Club, Art Crafts, & Photography.

Facilities

Student Activities Department’s Facilities in each campus provides the infrastructure & services to enhance community life within the three campuses. Staff is committed to providing an environment that is safe, comfortable, & fosters community.

The following facilities are available:

• Student Activities Building:

- Activities Offices & Student Lounges

- Meeting Rooms for Club Members

- Internet Access

- LCD Television & DVD Player

- White Board - Photocopy machine

- Telephone

- Laptop & Data Show for presentations.

• Campuses Facilities:

- Gym

- Sports Complex (Gym, Sports Hall, Ping-Pong Hall)

- Training Halls & Auditorium

- Tennis Courts

- Green Fields

- Basketball Courts

- Ping Pong, Billiard table Hall

Arts & Performance Clubs

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Campus-Life/Artistic-Clubs

Since BAU values and nurtures talent, we have put forward the opportunity for our students to join any of three Artistic Clubs. Whether you are dazzled by the lights of the theater, the graceful movements of a dancer, or the harmonic sounds of the symphony, Artistic Clubs are the best choice for you.

Drama Club

Do you feel like you can convince anyone by acting? Are you confident enough to look crazy on a stage? BAU’s Drama Club is your chance to shine on stage and show your best. When you join this club, you’ll be able to participate in local and Arab festivals. You’ll also get to meet a variety of local and Arab actors and actresses.

Music Club

Have you always aspired to become a member of a band or choir? Do your friends tell you that you have an amazing voice? If you are that person, then BAU’s Student Activities invites you to join the Music Club. You will get to perform live in front of audiences from BAU and outside. You’ll regularly practice with others who share your interests; and you will be exposed to chances beyond your imagination.

Teams

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Campus-Life/Sports-Clubs

Owing to the value of sports on health, BAU has dedicated several sports clubs. These include basketball, volleyball, handball, archery, chess, Muay Thai, ping-pong, swimming, and Zumba. Find more information about each of these unique clubs.

Basketball

Our basketball teams have won hundreds of championships over the years. BAU’s basketball team is definitely a team you want to join.

Football

Our football team is highly competitive. With the best players on our side, the football team has won many championships over the years. We organize and participate in friendly matches and competitions. These include the annual staff vs. students competition and competitions with other faculties and universities.

Volleyball

When you join the volleyball team, you’ll get two privileges. The obvious is that you will get to be a part of this active club. But what you don’t know is that you’ll also have the chance to be trained by the best university coaches in Lebanon. You’ll join and participate in friendly matches and championships in Lebanon and the Arab world.

Handball Men

The men’s handball club is one of the most thrilling and challenging clubs to be on. You’ll experience the joy of winning many national and international competitions. The club is trained by one of the most talented coaches in Lebanon. You’ll also be able to play this great sport which roots back to Roman and French origins.

Archery Club

This club has attracted a large group of students over the years. If you wish to sharpen your skills and focus, join this club. You’ll be trained by professionals in the field and get to perfect your archery techniques. We also participate in a lot of competitions and tournaments.

Chess

If you are into more strategy games, then the chess club is what you are looking for. You’ll compete with other chess players at BAU and outside. You’ll also be able to learn new strategies and techniques. Playing chess can actually spark your creativity and teach you how to think fast and solve problems.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a famous form of martial arts. This sport originally emerged in Thailand and expanded to the rest of the world. It is not similar to conventional western boxing and kickboxing. What is unique and interesting about it is that it encourages its players to use four sets of limbs. If you wish to work on your agility and nimbleness, then Muay Thai is the right sport for you.

Ping Pong

If you are more into a fast-paced kind of sport, then the ping-pong club is the right choice. Requiring a lot of movement and agility, this kind of sport is the best for burning calories and staying fit. If you also wish to improve your eye-hand coordination and stimulate your concentration and mental awareness, then you should definitely join this club.

Swimming

When you join the swimming team, you’ll be able to compete in swimming competitions. Our swimmers have obtained many awards throughout the years in sport tournaments. This endurance-building sport is good for a healthy heart and strong muscles.

Zumba

Zumba is a dance that combines rhythmic movements with aerobic exercises. BAU provides Zumba classes with professional coaches. The idea is to encourage students to lead a healthy life, to participate in fun classes, and to overcome stress and anxiety. Students can join these classes anytime.

Human Rights Center Launches a Club for Dialogue and Citizenship Fostering Diversity

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/Event/Human-Rights-Center-Launches-a-Club-for-Dialogue-and-Citizenship-Fostering-Diversity

Adyan Foundation, in cooperation with the Human Rights Center at BAU, organized a seminar entitled "Can a Christian-Islamic Dialogue Contribute to Building Peace and Stability?", hosting the President of the Official Sunni Court of Said, Sheikh Mohammed Abu Zeid, and the Chairman of Adyan Foundation, Father Dr. Fadi Daou, to launch a club for dialogue and citizenship fostering diversity.

The event opened with a welcoming note by the Director of the Human Rights Center at BAU, Dr. Omar Houri, who pointed out that the Center, since its establishment, has played a positive role towards both the students and the society, by organizing such activities that aim at a strong and educated society.

Sheikh Abu Zeid spoke about the importance of dialogue, pointing out that the issue begins in both Muslim and Christian homes.

Abu Zeid resumed, saying that "Lebanon is distinguished by Islamic and Christian diversity, and the Lebanese environment is the most beautiful for such a title. The dialogue of life is a serious dialogue that emerges through schooling, through the family, within religious groups, and through a religious discourse that is accepting of the Other".

In turn, Father Daou thanked the Center for launching the club, which will also be launched by the Antonine University. He also stressed that the dialogue we are calling for is not a form of small-talk, but rather begins with listening, accepting diversity, and interacting with others to establish a co-existence.

Daou stressed that the aim of dialogue is to create peace-makers, and eradicate the religious labeling of conflicts that exist in our society.

Parliamentary Elections at Beirut Arab University In Cooperation with LADE

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Parliamentary-Elections-at-Beirut-Arab-University-In-Cooperation-with-LADE

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in cooperation with the LADE, organized a workshop about the current electoral law. Mr. Mohammad Jbara, the coordinator, started the workshop by introducing the law since Lebanon adopts in its current electoral law on the "proportional voting system". The law divided Lebanon into 15 major (geographical) electoral districts, which in turn are divided into smaller districts. According to the law, each district is allocated a number of parliamentary seats; the least is 5 and the maximum of 13, to fill 128 seats in the Lebanese Parliament.

Then Dr. Rima Adhami, University Professor at the Faculty of Law at the Lebanese University, gave a detailed explanation of the electoral law and the electoral quotient, which is calculated based on the equation of the number of voters in each district, divided by the number of its seats. For example, if the number of voters in a district reaches 100,000 actual voters, and the district includes 10 seats, the result will be 10,000 votes.

Adhami explained also how the sectarian and religious divisions of every list, noting the loopholes in this law, especially that it divided the districts and governorates according to the Lebanese composition.

At the end of the workshop Mrs Amani Al Hashimi, a coordinator at LADE in Beirut, gave a detailed explanation, about the role of LADE before and during the parliamentary elections. In addition, the elections are supervised by a special body called the “Supervisory Commission for Election”, which consists of 11 members, and practices its independent role, in direct coordination with the Minister of Interior and Municipalities.

The Rule of Law - Challenges and Hopes at BAU

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/The-Rule-of-Law-Challenges-and-Hopes-at-BAU

The Human Rights Center and the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Beirut Arab University, in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung- Rule of Law Program in the Middle East and North Africa, organized a seminar entitled “The Rule of Law – Challenges and Hopes”. The seminar discussions were led by Dean of Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at BAU, Prof. Mouhammad Kassem, Minister Rasheed Derbas, Military Investigative Judge Najat Abu Shakra, BAU Secretary General and Director of the Human Rights Center Dr. Omar Houry.

The event opened with the National Anthem and BAU Anthem followed by the Public Relations Officer Ms. Rima Shehab’s speech in which she pointed out that “we are back today with the joint seminar ‘The Rule of Law – Challenges and Hopes’ between the Human Rights Center and the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Rule of Law Program in the Middle East and North Africa,” affirming the fact that “what we really need today is a state of law or the state of justice and rights so that citizens enjoy civil liberties legally and use them in the courts as freedom and democracy can never exist without the rule of law in the first place.”

BAU President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Human Rights Center, Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi, delivered a speech in which he indicated that “the Human Rights Center was established in 2009, and since that time, it has played an important role in promoting and spreading the culture of human rights as well as spiritual and human values among students. It has also been instrumental in communicating and cooperating with local and international institutions, universities and entities concerned with human rights issues, respecting international and Arab procedures, charters and agreements related to human rights, and developing and deepening jurisprudence research in this field.”

Prof. El Adawi added, " In 2011, BAU ratified the global foundations launched by the United Nations for human rights, and we, as a university, always seek to spread the concept of human rights which we define as a culture not law. Thus, today's symposium is highly significant in relation to the situation in the region. The state of law means the state of the constitution and to achieve this there must be freedom, democracy and cooperation among the three authorities because law is above all.”

Professor Philip Bremer, Director of the Rule of Law Program in the Middle East and North Africa - Konrad Adenauer Foundation, praised the Foundation's work and tendency to consolidate the role of the rule of law and shed light on the challenges and hopes it faces within the region as a whole, from the Maghreb to the Gulf and Levant countries.

Bremer added that research on the rule of law has demonstrated its importance in promoting sustainable economic and social development, which is one of the most important needs of Lebanon and other countries in the region.

In the end, Professor Bremer noted the importance of the debate on the rule of law with regard to Lebanon and Egypt, and thanked BAU President for hosting and organizing the symposium.

The seminar was moderated by Professor Kassem, who defined the rule of law as the constitutional state in which the practices of the governmental authorities are restricted to law. The power of the state in the state of law is limited to protecting individuals from the arbitrary practices of power, as the citizen under this state enjoys civil freedom legally, and according to which he is able to use it in the courts. Hence, it is clear that no state can enjoy democracy and freedom without first having a state of law.

In his speech, Minister Rashid Derbass stated that the conditions in which the law exists in the State of Lebanon call for a reference to the origin, and to the assertion that the rule of law is not an option but a necessity as stated by philosophers; it is an individual need for every citizen that is equal to their need for water and food. Derbass affirmed that tampering with its rules and regulations is an act of premeditated murder subjected to the provisions of Article 549 of the Penal Code.

Judge Najat Abu Shakra spoke about the “military judiciary system along with the judicial, administrative, financial and religious judiciary. It is the judiciary that has its personal, qualitative and spatial jurisdiction defined by the Military Judiciary Law No. 24/68. This private judiciary has its distinct structure from the judicial judiciary, especially in terms of the judicial authorities that comprise it and the means of appealing its decisions.

Dr. Omar Houri pointed out the nature of the Taif Agreement as it contributed to providing a final definition of Lebanon, which decided the finality of the homeland, its sovereignty and regional unity on the one hand, and its Arab identity and affiliation on the other. Thus, the Taif Agreement constituted the political and legal framework which all Arab countries approved on several occasions, whether individually or collectively. This definition came as a noticeable reassurance to the Lebanese concerning Lebanon’s Arab identity, as well as an assurance of the finality of its existence and sovereignty.

The seminar concluded with a set of questions and discussions between the attendees and the lecturers.

The symposium was attended by the Head of the Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Directorate in the Lebanese Army Colonel Ziad Rizkallah representing the Lebanese Army Commander, Head of the Southern Intelligence Division Colonel Suhail Harb, Commander of Beirut's 3rd Regional Company in Beirut Police Brigadier General Hussein Khashfeh, Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas - ICARDA Professor Ali Abu Sabaa, representatives of the Faculties of Law and Political Sciences at some of the Lebanese universities, deans, faculty members, a crowd of interested students and audience.

Dr. Nada El Darra Associate Professor in Food Safety & Technology was elected as a new member of AGYA

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Dr-Nada-El-Darra-Associate-Professor-in-Food-Safety-and-Technology-was-elected-as-a-new-member-of-AGYA

Dr. Nada El Darra Associate Professor in Food Safety & Technology in the faculty of Heath sciences was elected as a new member of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA).

AGYA brings together excellent Arab and German scholars to address common challenges and develop solutions through sustainable research cooperation.

https://agya.info/agya-life/members

Excursion “Social Justice and Human Rights”

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Rights/Activity/Excursion-Social-Justice-and-Human-Rights-

The Center organized and participated in the “Social Justice and Human Rights” excursion in collaboration with University of Cologne and Hamad Bin Khalifa. Amman- Jordan, 16th – 24th of May 2016. This program was in coordination with the department of the Middle East Studies in Cologne University and the faculty of Islamic Studies in the University of Hamad Ben Khalifa-Qatar.

“Global Justice & Migration: Middle Eastern & European Perspectives” Workshop at BAU

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Global-Justice-and-Migration-Middle-Eastern-and-European-Perspectives-Workshop-At-BAU

The Human Rights Center (HRC) at Beirut Arab University concluded its summer school which focused this year on the issue of immigration and social justice and was attended by Arab and foreign students.
The one-week workshop which started on 28/9/2015 and ended on 5/10/2015 aimed at enhancing students’ legal, historical and cultural competence on this phenomenon affecting both European and Arab societies. The workshop was entitled “Global Justice & Migration: Middle Eastern & European Perspectives”, with the participation of 36 students from Beirut Arab University, the University of Cologne, Hamad Bin Khalifa University – Doha. These universities collaborate in the field of training students in human rights issues.

The lectures and workshops dealt with the laws, theories, history and literatures of immigration, and were followed by field visits to the Migrants Center at Caritas and the Palestinian Organization for Human Rights at Mar Elias Camp, for a better understanding of the social and legal circumstances of immigrants and refugees.

A joint statement from 11 university Presidents - Let us stand together to heal the wounds and demand justice

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/A-joint-statement-from-11-university-Presidents-Let-us-stand-together-to-heal-the-wounds-and-demand-justice

Let us stand together to heal the wounds and demand justice

We, the presidents of the undersigned 11 universities, have witnessed the devastation to our beloved capital city of Beirut with great pain and growing concern. We have seen the hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, including many among our own communities. Our universities have sustained and absorbed serious damages to many of our campuses and hospitals and the homes of our people. Yet, we have also seen this destruction countered by the magnificent, inspirational examples of our physicians, nurses, and staff members in the hospitals, as well as our students, faculty members, alumni, and staff who are mobilizing to help the wounded, pick up debris in the streets, offer shelter to those who have lost their homes, and help search for those many unfortunates still trapped under the rubble.

Our hearts break for our beloved Beirut. Every one of us has grown up to a large degree in this magical, irreplaceable, irretrievable city. We pledge to make every effort to rebuild it and heal our communities. As the Lebanese people mourn, heal, rebuild, and repair, our universities in turn pledge to mourn, build, heal, and repair with them, and with Beirut, our shining capital city, damaged, broken, but of incalculable value, a shining star of shared destiny for the diverse groups of people who call it home. We pledge to never abandon Beirut, Lebanon, and our communities in these dark times and throughout the difficult years to come.

We also stand ready to assist now in any way we can. Our hospitals are open and our emergency rooms are receiving patients day after day, regardless of their ability to afford treatment. We will do everything possible to create tangible opportunities to support our students’ education and wellbeing irrespective of the collapse of the Lebanese economy and the additional burden placed on the Lebanese people by this latest catastrophe. Our 11 universities will stand firmly by our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and communities through this catastrophe as we have stood by Lebanon and the Lebanese people throughout the decades.

We share the anger all citizens of Beirut, Lebanon, and the world feel towards this entirely preventable disaster. We do believe there must be accountability and, in time, justice for this criminal, monstrous explosion. We fully support a transparent, expert, independent and just investigation of the destruction of Beirut. But first and foremost, our main priority must be to care for those wounded and displaced by this horrific explosion. As such, we stand together, with constancy and devotion, with our people, from now until the end of this crisis and whatever the future may bring.

Throughout these terrible days we have collaborated and cooperated with one another and with the first responders and other brave personnel, all of whom risked their lives to save others, far too many of whom paid the ultimate price. To honor them and all those who died, we must pull together to bind the many, still open wounds. We do so by expressing our love for our communities, by opening our doors to them whenever and wherever we can, and by caring for those who were severely injured and those who lost family members or homes, all the way through the end of this healing process. And out of that healing must come a strong, sustainable and accountable civil state, a nation of laws and decency, one which will never allow such a tragedy to occur again.

With love and devotion,

• The American University of Beirut
• Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth
• Beirut Arab University
• Université la Sagesse
• Lebanese American University
• Haigazian University
• Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
• Notre Dame University-Louaize
• Islamic University of Lebanon
• University of Balamand
• Antonine University

Social Justice

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Research/Social-Justice

Social justice is a fundamental humanitarian requirement in the state of right and law; although it is practically important as a political principle in various intellectual doctrines, it has remained merely a guiding idea for the legislator; the general nature of constitutions in terms of social justice assumes that individuals are recognized for a range of rights that preserve their human dignity as an immediate obligation;

Thus, the importance of establishing the principle of social justice in the constitution in a clear and specific formulation through the enumeration of a list of guaranteed social and economic rights helps the constitutional judge, in terms of the mandatoryity of these texts, to establish his provisions, as well as his embrace of the flexible interpretation of different constitutional principles, in the light of the principle of justice on the basis of the ideas of social justice. to date, this has not received sufficient attention from constitutional law researchers.

The research orientation of the general section is therefore based on deepening the constitutional approach to the subject of social justice by focusing on it in the research work of graduate students and by considering the organization of relevant scientific seminars.

Capacity Building on Truth and Justice

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Capacity-Building-on-Truth-and-Justice

The Human Rights Center at BAU organized a capacity building training on “Truth and Justice” at BAU- Tripoli Branch. The training lasted for two consecutive days on 1-2/10/2021 at the Multipurpose Room and was a part of the “Dealing with the Past Memories for Future Rights of Enforced Disappeared Persons” project funded by the United Nations Peace Building Fund and jointly implemented with OHCHR.

This project aims to shed more light on people who experienced the enforced disappearance of others and provide enough information to highlight the root causes of past conflict and present social tensions in addition to opening public debate and facilitating cross-confessional dialogue, which helps engage the Lebanese youth. The participating students from different majors were willing to know more about the core and values of the law that allow the affected Lebanese to achieve justice and seek the truth.

Judge Sara Rammal inaugurated the first day of the training, discussing the enforced disappearance in the light of concepts of justice and truth. After that, the Vice President of Fighters for Peace Mr. Asaad Chaftari held a debate with the students about true reconciliation and its conditions for the individual and groups. The second day of the training opened with Ms. Lara Al-Deeb, one of the board members of the Committee of the Families of Kidnapped and Disappeared in Lebanon. She gave details about the adoption of the law concerning the absence and the enforced disappearance of persons and the implementation of the resolutions of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Afterwards, Mrs. Dala Bazzi, the instructor of physical kinesiology and therapy through dancing, showed a video in which the dancers express their feelings through movement only. This video aims to emphasize the importance of the theatre as a place for people to express their needs and deliver messages to the audience and the role of art and music in expressing solidarity with the issue of the enforced disappeared persons.