LEBANON-SOGI-TBs-CCPR

Concluding Observations on Report 3 (2018) (Link)

Non-discrimination framework

11. While noting that the Constitution proclaims the principle of equality generally, the Committee regrets the lack of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation covering all the grounds prohibited under the Covenant. It is also concerned about the lack of effective remedies for victims of discrimination (arts. 2 and 26).

12. The State party should take all the measures necessary to ensure that its legal framework: (a) provides full and effective protection against discrimination in all spheres, including the private sphere, and prohibits direct, indirect and multiple discrimination; (b) contains a comprehensive list of grounds for discrimination in line with the Covenant, including sexual orientation and gender identity; and (c) provides for access to effective and appropriate remedies for victims of discrimination.

Discrimination and violence on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

13. The Committee is concerned that, despite the information about court judgments holding that article 534 of the Criminal Code is not applicable to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals, such individuals continue to be arrested and prosecuted, including for sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex, under article 534 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes “any sexual intercourse contrary to the order of nature”. It is also concerned about reports of the prevalence in society of discrimination, hate speech and homophobic attitudes; harassment, violence and extortion directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals; violations of their freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly; and the lack of protection against such acts (arts. 2, 7, 9, 14, 17, 19, 21 and 26).

14. The State party should explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals are afforded, both in law and in practice, adequate and effective protection against all forms of discrimination, hate speech or violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and that such acts are properly investigated, prosecuted and, if the perpetrators are convicted, punished with appropriate penalties. It should decriminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex with a view to bringing its legislation into compliance with the Covenant and take all measures necessary to guarantee in practice the effective enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals.

---

Concluding Observations on Report 2 (1997) (Link)

[no mention]

---

Concluding Observations on Report 1 (1983) (Link)

[no mention]

---