Human rights defenders with no human rights? Analysis of the protection and situation of Human rights defenders in the Middle East: the case of Lebanon. Lebanon: safe haven for human rights defenders in the Middle East?

Abstract

Human Rights Defenders in the Middle East often face dangerous conditions throughout their work. Many have been subjected to human rights violations. As a result, most Human Rights Defenders operate far from the region. In order to understand the circumstances faced by Human Rights Defenders in the Middle East, this thesis analyses the factors contributing to the situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Middle East and the framework in which they operate. Given the complexity and diversity of the situation, the thesis mainly only covers Lebanon. Prior to the examination and analysis of the situation of Human Rights defenders in Lebanon, a thorough analysis of the term “Human Rights Defenders”, and its scope, is conducted in this thesis. The declaration on human rights defenders was the starting point for the protection of human rights defenders around the world. Similarly, the thesis relies on the declaration on human rights defenders as its starting point to address the issues at stake. This thesis also outlines the existing protection mechanisms available for human rights defenders operating in the Middle East and presents a historical analysis of Lebanon with regards to its human rights work, including a comprehensive mapping of different stakeholders and their activities. This thesis mainly analyzes three different factors contributing to the situation of human rights defenders; legal framework, state policies and practices, non-state actors and societal cultures and practices. The examination of these factors identifies the challenges faced by human rights defenders in Lebanon, which is consequently used to outline best practices for the protection of human rights defenders in Lebanon. This thesis hopes to help researchers and activists better understand the situation for human rights defenders in Lebanon and propose effective avenues of protection for human rights defenders suitable for the context of Lebanon. It aims to raise awareness and combat the consequences of being a human rights defender in the Middle East. The main purpose of this research is to help researchers and activists gain a more holistic, nuanced understanding of the topic at hand.