A/HRC/16/18 relevant bodies, compiled by a committee created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The parliamentary committee for human rights and civil society was included in this process, reflecting Lebanon’s belief in partnerships with NGOs in promoting and protecting human rights. 8. Lebanon had a unique social and political composition reflecting its religious and cultural variety. Pope John Paul II had thus described it as more than a nation, indeed a message and a mission. This variety had been a source of wealth for Lebanon and represented the coexistence between different religions and cultures. Since independence in 1943, Lebanon had a democratic parliamentary system with an active political life, where each element of the social fabric had its role in an atmosphere of liberty and freedom. 9. The pluralistic social reality had its challenges and difficulties. Lebanon had undergone many crises, leaving a difficult legacy. In addition to hosting numerous Palestinian refugees, it had been subject to a series of invasions and aggressions by Israel, which continued to impede the recovery of stability and made it difficult for the Government to fulfil its human rights obligations. This had resulted in a budget deficit and record public debt, resulting in high unemployment rates and the emigration of large numbers of Lebanese citizens. It did not however halt efforts to protect human rights and its accession to all core human rights treaties and several regional instruments. 10. Lebanon was currently at a critical stage. A National Action Plan for Human Rights was being elaborated by the parliamentary committee on human rights with the contribution of relevant Ministries, civil society and international organizations. Other efforts to develop effective and competent mechanisms to ensure the application of human rights standards and the provisions of the Action Plan included: • The establishment of a NHRI in line with the Paris Principles: A draft bill was under consideration by the Ministry of Justice. It included mechanisms for the prevention of terrorism in line with the provisions of OP-CAT. • The creation of an Ombudsman: A bill had been issued in 2005 and the Government was taking steps for an appointment. • The creation of an office of human rights in the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces, and considerations concerning a department of human rights in the Ministry of Interior. • The establishment of a directorate general of human rights and public liberties in the Ministry of Justice. • The development of relations with international organizations, particularly OHCHR and its mechanisms. Lebanon had recently facilitated the visit of the Sub-Committee on the Prevention of Torture and was consulting with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery on a possible visit. 11. In response to advance questions, the head of delegation recalled that Lebanon had undergone many wars, the latest in June 2006, which had been the subject of a Council decision resulting in a report by the High-Level Commission of Inquiry. These wars had destabilized the country, damaged the infrastructure and led to involuntary disappearances, which had yet to be addressed. 12. Lebanon was determined to eradicate and prevent torture. It had acceded to OPCAT. Draft laws for the prevention of torture and the establishment of an independent national mechanism were under discussion. The Internal Security Forces had issued a memorandum for the establishment of a special commission for the monitoring of torture and detention centres. 4