Breaking the Silence: Torture Against Human Rights Defenders

The discussion will explore root causes, lasting impacts, and concrete pathways to justice and accountability. This event brings together civil society organizations, activists, and HRDs to share knowledge, amplify voices, and strategize around better protection mechanisms for those defending rights in repressive environments.

CLDH will lead the session, with support from partner organizations such as the Working Group for Torture prevention (WGTP), to ensure broad regional participation.

Objectives:

• Examine how legal systems and political culture enable torture
• Share first hand testimonies from HRDs
• Explore mechanisms for accountability and prevention
• Foster cross-regional solidarity and solutions

Structure:

• Opening Remarks by Wadih Al-Asmar, President of CLDH
• Torture and Legal Culture in Lebanon: discussing how cultural factors and justice system in Lebanon contribute to human rights violations - Atty Hasna Abdel Rida, Head of Legal of CLDH
• Challenges Faced by HRDs in Lebanon and Beyond: testimonies and shared experiences from activists - Ebtisam Al Saegh and Abou Kenaan
• Accountability and Prevention: Strategies to pursue justice, end impunity, and protect defenders - Khalid Ibrahim, Executive Director of GC4HR
• Interactive Q&A and Open Discussion

Moderator: Rouba El Helou, Secretary General of CLDH

Languages spoken: English and Arabic
Interpretation available in: EN / AR