On October 31, 2025, the Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) participated in a discussion panel organized by ALEF under PASC – Persons Affected by the Syrian Crisis, on the issue of refugee status determination. The Center was surprised by the presentation of a draft law that contradicts human rights standards and international principles for the protection of refugees.  

Although PASC, which CLDH is a member of, is a network of organizations seeking to advocate for more just and inclusive policies that meet the needs of refugees and communities most at risk of human rights violations, the draft law submitted by MP George Okais constitutes a human rights violation as it conflicts with Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both of which are legally binding for Lebanon.  

The Center considers that this draft law disregards the fundamental principles of human rights and refugee rights and opens the door to an escalation of hate speech and racism, which could exacerbate tensions and conflicts between Lebanese society and Syrian refugees, instead of promoting fair and humane solutions that preserve the dignity of all.  

The draft law includes provisions that legalize direct discrimination against refugees. Article 3 of the draft states that “refugees shall be prohibited from obtaining Lebanese nationality, including through a decree issued by the President of the Republic or through marriage.”  
Article 8 grants municipalities the authority to restrict the movement of refugees and prevent their mobility within the municipal jurisdiction.  
Article 9 obliges every property owner, when concluding a lease contract with a refugee, to verify the legality of the tenant’s documents, under penalty of imprisonment from two months to three years and a fine equivalent to thirty times the monthly rent. The property owner must also declare to the municipality, when registering the contract, that the tenant is a refugee.  
In addition, Article 23 provides that the decision of the single criminal judge regarding the deportation of a refugee shall be final and not subject to any form of appeal.  

This draft, in essence, violates the Lebanese Constitution, which in paragraph (b) of its Preamble states that Lebanon is a founding and active member of the United Nations and is committed to its charters and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Accordingly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has constitutional value in Lebanon. Article 2 of the Declaration explicitly provides that:  

“Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.”  

Accordingly, preventing Syrian refugees from obtaining Lebanese nationality constitutes a clear violation of Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Furthermore, this draft contradicts Lebanon’s international obligations under ratified treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrines in Article 2 the principle of non-discrimination among all individuals within the territory of the State, and in Article 12 the right to freedom of movement. Likewise, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights affirms in Article 11 the right of every person to an adequate standard of living, including the right to adequate housing, without any form of discrimination. Additionally, Article 23 of the draft law also contradicts Article 14(5) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which stipulates that “Everyone convicted of a crime shall have the right to his conviction and sentence being reviewed by a higher tribunal according to law.” 

The Center emphasizes that any discussion or legislative process must be based on the principles of justice, fairness, and human dignity, and not on discriminatory approaches that harm social cohesion and weaken Lebanon’s human rights and ethical obligations.  

Therefore, the Lebanese Center for Human Rights calls for:  

  • The immediate withdrawal of the draft law due to its clear violations of the Lebanese Constitution and Lebanon’s international human rights obligations   

  • The commitment of the Lebanese Parliament and Government to the principles of equality and non-discrimination when drafting any legislation concerning refugees or residents in Lebanese territory.  

  • The promotion of responsible media and human rights discourse aimed at combating growing hate speech and racism, while fostering a culture of respect for human rights and social solidarity.  

  • Ensuring the protection of the right to adequate housing for all individuals without discrimination, and revoking any measures that may restrict this right or undermine the dignity of refugees and the rights of property owners  

  • Upholding the principle of the rule of law, ensuring that no penalties or criminal obligations are imposed except under a clear legal provision consistent with constitutional and international standards.