Freedom of Expression and Digital Rights in Lebanon - UPR Submission
Lebanon’s human rights record is to be reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group in Geneva from 19–30 January 2026 (UN Webcast).
The outcome report and recommendations are expected to be formally adopted and published during the June–July 2026 session of the Human Rights Council.
Ahead of the review, SEEDS, Small Media Foundation, and the University of Birmingham submitted a Joint Submission on 17 July 2025 as part of Lebanon’s 4th UPR Cycle (Session 51). This Joint Submission provides a comprehensive assessment of Lebanon’s human rights situation and analyzes the following:
- Shrinking civic space
- The weaponization of defamation and insult laws against critics
- Systemic lack of data privacy and digital protection
- Impacts of economic collapse and recent conflict on internet access and journalist safety
The reports also offered actionable recommendations to decriminalize speech, reform media regulations, and ensure digital inclusion, while reinforcing the protection of freedom of expression and press freedom.
Lebanon now faces the challenge of implementing these recommendations and advancing accountability, transparency, and human rights protection across the country.
