National Gathering for Human Rights Protection Launched in Beirut

Beirut – Profile News: Al-Madina Theater in Beirut’s Hamra district hosted the launch of the “National Gathering for Human Rights Protection” on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, during a large-scale event attended by prominent human rights advocates, intellectuals, activists, politicians, journalists, academics, artists, and public figures, alongside a tribute to Lebanese journalists killed since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023.

The gathering reflected growing public and legal interest in human rights and accountability efforts in Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions and the continuing repercussions of the war.

The forum opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a visual tribute honoring Lebanese journalists who lost their lives since the beginning of the Israeli military campaign on Lebanon in October 2023. Attendees also viewed a documentary highlighting the targeting of journalists in the Arab Mashreq, as well as a recorded message by Archbishop Atallah Hanna, before the event concluded with a patriotic performance by Lebanese artist Jad Choueiri.

Focus on Lebanon’s State Responsibilities

Speakers at the forum focused on the responsibilities of the Lebanese state amid the current humanitarian and security developments, stressing the importance of activating international legal and diplomatic mechanisms aimed at protecting civilians and addressing alleged violations.

Participants emphasized that the protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and press freedom remain fundamental pillars in any international legal or humanitarian framework.

Tribute to Fallen Journalists

The event included a symbolic tribute to Lebanese journalists killed while covering field developments, with speakers describing press freedom as “the first line of defense for human rights.”

A documentary film addressing attacks against journalists in the Arab Mashreq was also screened, highlighting the growing dangers faced by media workers operating in conflict zones and frontline coverage.

Petition to the UN Human Rights Council

The gathering also witnessed the signing of a legal and human rights petition addressed to the United Nations Human Rights Council and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, calling for urgent international action regarding developments in Lebanon.

Organizers said the petition relies on international legal references, including UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the Geneva Conventions, arguing that developments in Lebanon since October 8, 2023 require international legal and human rights intervention.

According to the statement issued during the event, military operations have resulted in civilian casualties, extensive destruction of infrastructure and civilian facilities, and large-scale displacement, while participants called for accountability under international law.

Main Demands of the National Gathering Document

The document presented during the forum included six key demands, most notably:

• Calling for an urgent session of the UN Human Rights Council to discuss developments in Lebanon.
• Establishing an independent and impartial international investigative committee to collect and preserve evidence related to alleged violations.
• Urging the Lebanese state to grant the International Criminal Court immediate jurisdiction to investigate crimes committed on Lebanese territory.
• Reaffirming, according to the document, the right of peoples to self-defense and resistance to occupation under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
• Calling for immediate access by the International Committee of the Red Cross to Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
• Documenting attacks targeting journalists, medical personnel, and vital civilian facilities.

Political, Legal, Media and Cultural Participation

The event brought together a broad range of political, legal, academic, media, artistic, and sports figures, including MPs Elias Jradi, Ashraf Baydoun, and Jihad Al-Samad, former minister Jean-Louis Cordahi, activist Georges Abdallah, Dr. Omar Nashabe, Dr. Laure Abi Khalil, Dr. Lina Tabbal, basketball coach Ghassan Sarkis, journalists Vera Yammine and Rania Abdel Khalek, Dr. Adham El Sayed, actress Nidal Al-Ashkar, artist Jad Choueiri, and Dr. Jad Melki.

The forum featured speeches and discussions focusing on ways to strengthen legal and human rights pathways in confronting alleged violations, while emphasizing the importance of accountability through international legal institutions.

In its concluding statement, the “National Gathering for Human Rights Protection” said that “protecting civilians and defending the right of peoples to live in dignity and freedom will remain a priority,” stressing that “truth and justice are the foundation of any humanitarian and legal process.”

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