Since October 8, 2023, Lebanon has been subjected to daily violations of its airspace and bombardment of villages and towns in both the south and the Bekaa by Israel. This has culminated in the killing of many civilians, massive displacement, and widespread destruction and disruption of life in these areas. The Lebanese government has considered this a violation of international law. 

  

On April 26, 2024, the Lebanese caretaker government issued a decision instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit a declaration to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This granted the ICC permission to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed on Lebanese territory since October 8, 2023, and to pursue those accountable. 

 

This historic opportunity was welcomed by local and international human rights organizations, as such a step would enhance justice and ensure serious accountability for the perpetrators. Unfortunately, on May 28, 2024, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew its decision to send this declaration upon the request of the caretaker cabinet. Instead, they published a revised decision that omitted any mention of the ICC. They announced that Lebanon would submit complaints to the United Nations (UN) instead, without providing any reasons. 

  

The Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) condemns the Lebanese state's decision to withdraw its declaration to the ICC to investigate Israeli war crimes and deems it disgraceful. CLDH stresses that the killing of civilians, including children, workers, and medical and journalistic personnel, is an integral part of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (August 12, 1949). 

 

Moreover, journalists enjoy immunity when covering wars and conflicts. According to Article 79 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 1949:  

"Journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict shall be considered as civilians (...) and shall be protected as such under the Conventions and this Protocol, provided that they take no action adversely affecting their status as civilians (...)."  

 

Since journalists were subjected to violations of their right to life on Lebanese territory, as stipulated by Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Lebanese state must seek justice for their rights and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. 

  

Therefore, CLDH urges the Lebanese government to: 

  • Form a commission to investigate and document the violations committed by the Israeli state 

  • Cooperate with international bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN bodies in monitoring, reporting, and following up on violations until accountability is achieved 

  • Support international efforts aimed at holding violators accountable, including cooperation with international courts such as the ICC 

  • Reverse the caretaker government's decision not to submit the declaration to the ICC to achieve justice and hold Israel accountable for violations of international humanitarian law