A/HRC/16/2
pronouncement of 2009, although implementation mechanisms would depend on internal
and external circumstances.
556. Recalling the role of Lebanon in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, the delegation emphasized its eagerness to preserve its principles and to address
human rights issues, but acknowledged that its limited resources and political difficulties
had slowed down the process of finding appropriate solutions.
557. Concerning the issue of Palestinian refugees, the delegation stated that it could not
solve the Palestinian tragedy on its own and that it could take decisions neither at the
expense of its own people nor at that of the Palestinian cause. Although Lebanon would
shoulder its part of the responsibility, it was primarily for the international community to
carry this burden.
2.
Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the
review outcome
558. Saudi Arabia stated that the acceptance by Lebanon of the majority of
recommendations, including those made by Saudi Arabia, reflected the positive interaction
of Lebanon with human rights mechanisms. Lebanon had consistently cooperated with the
United Nations human rights mechanisms and engaged positively in the field of human
rights. The review of Lebanon had offered an opportunity to learn about the efforts made in
Lebanon to improve laws and institutions in the field of human rights. Saudi Arabia hoped
that these efforts, as well as the cohesion by which Lebanese society, with its religious and
cultural diversity, was characterized, would continue.
559. Qatar commended Lebanon for its engagement in the review process, which had
allowed the Human Rights Council to learn about its efforts in the promotion and protection
of human rights. Qatar noted Lebanon’s cooperation with special procedures and other
United Nations human rights mechanisms, and its preparedness to work in a positive spirit
with the Council, demonstrating its determination to improve the human rights situation
and overcome the challenges it faces. Lebanon had acceded to most human rights
instruments and developed a national plan of action for their implementation, including the
establishment of appropriate institutions.
560. Algeria commended Lebanon for the way in which the national report had been
prepared and followed up, noting that the report allowed the Human Rights Council to have
a clear view of the significant efforts made by Lebanon to improve the human rights
situation. A large number of recommendations had been accepted during the interactive
dialogue, including those made by Algeria. This reflected, once again, the commitment of
the Lebanese authorities to further promote human rights.
561. Egypt appreciated Lebanon’s efforts to overcome the crises and wars that it had
suffered, including efforts to bring legislation into line with international human rights
principles, and its openness to dialogue with all stakeholders. Egypt welcomed the steps to
implement accepted recommendations, including the transmission of draft laws to the
Council of Deputies for review and adoption, particularly on women’s rights. Lebanon had
accepted recommendations concerning domestic violence and intended to adopt specific
legislation and conduct an awareness-raising campaign to mobilize support. Egypt further
appreciated efforts made with regard to the rights of Palestinian refugees and acknowledged
the relevant difficulties, especially resource constraints. It appealed to the international
community to shoulder its responsibility and to intensify its efforts to achieve the settlement
of the question of Palestine, as well as a comprehensive and just peace in the region.
562. The Syrian Arab Republic acknowledged the effective participation of Lebanon in
the review process, noting that Lebanon had submitted a report that demonstrated
transparency as well as a realistic attitude and professionalism. The national report showed
184
GE.11-17059
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