The report on the “Independence and Impartiality of the Judiciary – Lebanon” aims to describe in detail the main features of the Lebanese judiciary, with particular focus on the fundamental problems affecting its independence and impartiality. The examples mentioned in the report illustrate the practical consequences that a lack of independence can have on the rights of citizens.
It includes a series of detailed recommendations concerning the constitutional, legal and administrative changes that are required in order to achieve a level of judicial independence in accordance with international standards. The recommendations are primarily directed towards the Lebanese authorities who are requested to demonstrate genuine political will in order to achieve real and substantial progress in this area. Other recommendations are directed towards external actors and donors, including the European Union and civil society, whose role should not be underestimated.
The report is designed to become a resource tool for all actors in the judicial system, but also and essentially for Lebanese civil society organisations that wish to engage actively in the process of promotion and strengthening judicial independence. These organisations were involved in the Beirut seminar in March 2007 and in the drafting of this report and it is expected that they will now start or continue to promote the reform process.