The APT was in Lebanon from 13 to 17 October for two events related to the expected ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UNCAT by Lebanon. The Lebanese parliament passed a ratification law on 26 August 2008, following a request by the government to do so in 2006. From 14 to 16 October, NGOs from the region met for a workshop and training on detention monitoring and the OPCAT, organized by the Middle East Council of Churches and the Human Rights Institute of the Bar Association. The APT spoke on the subjects of torture prevention and detention monitoring and facilitated a one-day training for participants.
On 17 October, the APT had the opportunity to discuss the drafting of national implementation legislation to the OPCAT in a hearing organized by the Parliamentary Commission on Human Rights and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre.
{gallery}lebanon08{/gallery}