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My Nationality is a Right for Me and My Family Campaign warns against exploitation of citizenship issue

2-8-2018

In a follow up of the issue on rights of women to grant nationality to their family members, L’Orient Le Jour published a special feature after the July 24 statement by My Nationality is A Right For Me And My Family Campaign on behind-the-scene naturalization attempts (c.f: https://bit.ly/2v8heBU) and allegations by certain parties that their action is a mere precautionary measure. My Nationality is a Rght for Me and My Family Campaign coordinator, Karima Chebbo, reiterated that the ministry of interior is the sole competent authority to regulate nationality matters, warning that above bids encourage individual requests. Chebbo also sustained My Nationality Campaign’s stance against any projected preferential nationality decree which supports certain beneficiaries exclusively, underlining the need to apply the law clear of narrow sectarian partialities. She pointed to unofficial parties urging applicants to apply for nationality in exchange for money. She disclosed that the Campaign was present at the discussion of the draft bill adopted by MPs Rula Tabsh, Paula Yacubian and Inaya Ezzedine, and supported by Amal Movement, Future Movement and the PSP. Chebbo concluded by stating that My Nationality Campaign plans to visit a number of political parties, like the LF and Hizbullah to brief them on the proposal. (L’Orient Le Jour, August 2, 2018)

 
Previous related news:
MP Yacubian supports My Nationality is a Right for Me and My Family campaign
My Nationality campaign warning of new behind-the-scenes naturalization
Proposal by My Nationality campaign to amend the law
 

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Summery festivals in Sawfar, Qubayat

2-8-2018

Al Shaya Women’s Association in Saoufar inaugurated yesterday the Corniche Sawfar craft and mooneh fair for the fourth consecutive year. Sponsored by the municipality, this year’s exhibition carried the theme, ‘Sawfar for All’ and will run till Sunday. Shop owners, coops and local associations from the town and environs participated, showcasing their products, including clothing items, food and ceramics. The event which is part of efforts by the municipality to promote tourism in the area, includes sideline art performances, a play, music and songs as well as entertainment for children. On the other hand, the Qubayat International Festival kicked off with a touristic-environmental event par excellence aimed to spotlight the natural treasures and scenic landscapes of Akkar, as said the president of the festival, Cynthia Hbeish. The festival, she explained, is divided into two parts: the first is an eco-heritage-tourism two-day event, and the second embraces an art performance for three days starting August 10. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Akhbar, August 1, 2, 2018)

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Abjad center to rehabilitate women, youth in Tripoli

2-8-2018

Within the framework of the United Nations Human Security and with the support of UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHC) and a grant from the government of Japan, Abjad socio-cultural center was launched yesterday in Tripoli. This initiative is part of the Neighborhood Upgrading and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Refugees and Host Communities initiative. The project which is implemented in partnership with the ministry of social affairs and the Municipality of Tripoli seeks to improve the living conditions of women, youth and children through the building of life skills and vocational training, as well as protection from all forms of violence. According to the special representative of UN Women Regional Director in Lebanon, Abjad Center embraces a set of programs to empower youth, women and girls, besides psychological and social support programs for children and an office to follow up and monitor cases that are referred to specialized clinics. In addition, a cinema and theater were also revived to screen and produce cultural, artistic and social activities. (Al Mustaqbal, August 2, 2018)

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Mosaic LGBT awareness session

1-8-2018

Mosaic organization specialized in advocacy on gender issues and rights of marginalized groups hosted a talk on Monday to raise awareness among LGBT on how to act in case of arrest. Entitled ‘Legal Prevention’, the talk, the first in a series of monthly sessions by Mosaic, provided tips around the rights of LGBT persons in the event of detention. Lawyer Layal Saqr who conducted the session gave the following advice: “First, get rid of your mobile phones by throwing or destroying them, but never hand them to your captor; make sure the mobile does not contain any evidence of your sexuality, and finally, contact your lawyer immediately”. However, Saqr maintained, the law does not require the presence of an attorney at the preliminary interrogation at the police station, which renders the call rather ineffective but yet necessary. The talk also discussed the practice of anal examinations LGBT persons are usually forced to take to determine evidence of their sexual orientation. Saqr advised against yielding to such tests that debase their dignity, reminding of the circular released in 2012 by the Public Prosecution of Appeal which required the doctors to obtain the consent of the person involved before conducting the test. Nonetheless, the same circular insinuates that rejection to do the test is a plain evidence of homosexuality, Saqr said. She also pointed to a prejudiced detention that differentiates between lesbians and gays, noting that the arrest is larger among gay men because of the position of Lebanese society. In conclusion, Saqr said, “The situation of LGBT is way better now than it has been years ago, especially with regard to the recent court rulings by judges of the Court of First Degree and the Mount Lebanon Appeal Court who decriminalized homosexuality.(c.f: https://bit.ly/2M7eET4). (Al Akhbar, August 1, 2018)

Previous related news:
LGBTQI persons in Lebanon can no longer be charged

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Economic, sexual exploitation despite Lebanese law to combat human trafficking

1-8-2018

The Legal Agenda hosted a seminar yesterday entitled  ‘Sexual and economic exploitation before the Judiciary: Between present and past’. The seminar presented a study which tackled 34 cases of trafficking in persons at the Criminal Court of Beirut between the years 2016 and 2017, while noting that none of the victims concerned have received compensation. To recall that human trafficking is considered a crime punishable by virtue of the Anti-Trafficking Law passed back in 2011. The study classified the cases into three categories: child beggars, prostitution and abuse of migrant women domestic workers, revealing the marginalization and exclusion of groups who while being victims of all forms of abuse, yet they are not taken into consideration in the current legislation. These include in particular, migrant workers, foreign sex workers in nightclubs and forced child labor in agriculture. Concerning the cases of MWDWs, lawyer Nizar Saghieh said were treated as inactive cases of exploitation, pointing to 197 trials for 197 MWDWs, of whom only 16 workers attended the hearings, 91% were absent during the pronouncement of the rulings, two workers were assigned with a power of attorney and a translator and five faced their employer. Saghieh explained that, often, the court case which initially is presented as a case of exploitation turned into an inquiry into the legitimacy of the foreign worker’s residency.  The study can be found on the following link: https://goo.gl/J4Uq1J. (Al Akhbar, August 1, 2018)


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Deportation of battered Kenyan MWDW because of Kafala
Trafficking in women increase five times in Lebanon
Since 2011 Syria is a country of origin for women trafficking not just for transiting

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Minister Zeaiter: All previous governments have given up on agriculture

31-7-2018

In the absence of concrete official backing to the sector, the agriculture minister in the caretaker government Ghazi Zeaiter, stressed the need to support agriculture, noting that successive governments have regrettably excluded farmers from their plans. Zeaiter who was speaking during the distribution of cow milking machines to some 40 cattle farmers in Baalbaq, said that agricultural policies employed in Lebanon do not allow the country to compete, demanding the adoption of measures that reduce costs. On the other hand, IDAL chairperson Nabil Itani, revealed on Friday during his meeting with a delegation of South Farmers Congregation, that competition of made-in-Lebanon goods has picked up pace in international markets, which “requires us to maximize the empowerment of local farmers, producers and exporters to increase their power to compete and face the high cost of production.” Itani said domestic agriculture boasts plenty of opportunities and advantages, particularly in areas that are not invested as required. Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Tourism Committee held its first meeting yesterday headed by MP Ayub Homayed in the presence of all its members. Homayed said that the Lebanese agriculture and tourism did not receive the necessary attention from the governments for a long time, hoping that the seriousness reflected in today’s meeting will lead to the discussion and adoption of proposals to improve the two sectors. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, July 23, 28, 31, 2018)

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New summery economic initiatives in the regions

31-7-2018

Within the framework of boosting development activities in the Lebanese regions, the municipality and Federation of Municipalities of Baalbaq inaugurated on Sunday the 7th Agriculture Fair in Baalbaq, July 29-August 12. The fair comes as part of the 20th Shopping and Tourism Festival in the Beqaa held under the patronage of agriculture minister in the caretaker government, Ghazi Zeaiter, represented by MP Ali Mokdad. The latter said that the trade, economic, sports, recreational, cultural and art events present a possibility to galvanize the economic cycle and attract visitors and tourists to learn about the local production, besides lending them the opportunity to relish the touristic sites, ruins and religious landmarks. Concurrently, Tanburit Municipality in the district of Saida, opened yesterday the Tanburit Summer Festival 2018, from July 28 till September first. On the occasion, the president of the National Committee for Sidon International Festivals, Nadine Kaine, who represented MP Bahiya Hariri, said the launch of the event is now linked to the town’s heritage and memory and corresponds in its diverse activities to other festivities celebrated this summer in the many towns and cities of the South. (Al Diyar, July 31, 2018)

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Nabatiyeh Jaafari Court repeals decision, protects sexually-molested children

31-7-2018

Following the May 31 decision by the Jaafari Court in Nabatiyeh, Aladdine Sharara, allowing the child molesting and abusive father to see his two daughters for 24 hours each week (c.f: https://goo.gl/cVFCzD), the Sharia Jaafari court judge, Sheikh Abdallah Shaito, yesterday overturned the above ruling declaring it null and void and forced the defendant (father) to pay the court costs. The repeal reportedly came after Bitar’s (the mother of the two girls) case turned into a public opinion issue provoking angry reactions by activists who revived debate over women predicaments in religious courts, according to Al Akhbar. The newspaper wrote about a correlation between the new ruling and the pressure exerted on the court by activists, women in particular, while reminding that Bitar was threatened with imprisonment for refusing to execute the court’s decision. The pressure, Al Akhbar said, succeeded when Judge Sharara quit the case transferring it to another judge. Meanwhile, the National Campaign to Increase the Age of Custody for the Shiite Sect described the decision as a positive step towards real change aimed to improve the conditions of women in religious courts. (Al Akhbar, July 31, 2018)

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MP Yacubian supports My Nationality is a Right for Me and My Family campaign

31-7-2018

My Nationality is A Right For Me And My Family Campaign met yesterday with newly elected MP Paula Yacubian to cooperate in order to reach an amendment to the nationality code and enable Lebanese women to confer their nationality to their families. The delegation, which included campaign coordinator, Karima Shebbo, Zoya Ruhana and coordinating committee member Nadira Daabul, handed Yacubian the Campaign’s file which contains the draft bill, relevant studies and research, the Campaign’s stance towards the proposed laws and the main amendments introduced to the nationality laws in some Arab countries. The meeting discussed current facts and arguments against adjusting above law, stressing the importance of the inclusiveness of the bill to the end of ensuring complete and full equality between men and women in the country without exceptions, noting that any breach or violation would nurture discrimination among citizens. Yacubian for her part, voiced support to the Campaign’s demands, revealing that she will vote in favor of this Law Petition and will work to secure its ratification. (Al Mustaqbal, July 31, 2018)

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Local economic initiatives in Bint Jbeil, Saida and in Rashaya el Fukhar

30-7-2018

As part of efforts aimed to boost local economic activities, the minister of industry in the caretaker government, Hussein Haj Hassan, inaugurated yesterday the first Khan el Saboun exhibition in Bint Jbeil organized by Eco-Village Bader Hasoun. Haj Hassan hoped on the occasion that the conditions of agriculture and industry will improve under the new government, pointing specially to the unfavorable foreign competition and internal hindrances that have faced the industry sector during the successive governments. The minister demanded setting up an integrated and comprehensive economic strategy and a long term economic program dedicated to agriculture and industry. Haj Hassan further maintained that Lebanon’s economy depends generally on cross border transactions between neighboring countries, namely Syria, stressing the need to strengthen relations with Syria, Iraq and Jordan. On the other hand, Future MP Bahiya Hariri, sponsored on Friday the Saida Food Festival organized by La Salle Venue, Rmeileh for the second year (July 26- 29) with the participation of over 30 culinary establishments, eateries and associations showcasing their food, confections, juices, ice cream and frozen desserts. Hariri lauded the festival, noting the diverse activities the city will be celebrating next month, including sports, cultural and heritage events with the aim to revive life in the southern capital. Meanwhile, the Professional Cooperative for Producing and Marketing Pottery in Rashaya el Fukhar organized its annual summer festival this past weekend which commenced this year with a training workshop on how to make handmade pottery, a craft form famous in the area. To note, the above cooperative was founded three year ago with the aim to preserve the endangered pottery craft and encourage emerging artisans and young people to acquire it and invest in it as a collective heritage and an income generating trade. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Akhbar, July 29, 30, 2018)

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