BACKGROUND

Lebanon is a country that has faced turmoil since 1976. In the 2006 Lebanon war, Israel and Hezbollah were accused of violating international humanitarian law and causing potential war crimes. The war was characterized by attacks on civilian populations, indiscriminate attacks which led to killing of about 1000 Lebanese and displacing about 500,000 people. Furthermore in recent years, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS/ISIL) has carried out attacks in Lebanon killing people.

The country is also faced with over 1.5 million Syrian refugees fleeing to Lebanon due to the Syrian conflict. Regarding In respect of alleged mass-atrocities perpetrated by ISIS/ISIL, it is worth noting that the ICC Prosecutor already has alleged mass-atrocities perpetrated by ISIS/ISIL, it is worth noting that the ICC Prosecutor has already jurisdiction over alleged crimes against humanity committed by Tunisian and other foreign-fighters with nationality of a State Party to the Rome Statute, regardless of the territory in which such atrocities are committed (Syria, Iraq or Northern Lebanon). However, fully-fledged investigations over persons bearing the greatest responsibility for these atrocities could be better undertaken if Lebanon and other States in which ISIS operates would accede to the Rome Statute and, as appropriate, accept the ICC jurisdiction for the situation in question.

CAMPAIGN FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE

Lebanese scholars have urged the Government to join the ICC in orderso as to bring justice to the victims that have suffered due to various conflicts in the country. Other Lebanese scholars have stated that Lebanon’s hesitation to join the ICC can be traced to several aspects pertaining to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict and the ongoing conflict in Syria. Furthermore, the consecutive Lebanese governments have been incapable of reaching a consensus regarding the ratification of the Rome Statute due to conflicts of interest amid the various political parties in Lebanon.

The Lebanese government, however, is still trying to fight impunity through the adoption of the EU-Lebanon Action Plan in the framework of the new European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and itsthe support for accountability and international judicial cooperation in the struggle against ISIS expressed by Lebanon within the International Organization of the “Francophonie.”

The Coalition members are working with Parliamentarians from Lebanon to promotepromoting the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes. The Coalition is advocating for accession to the Rome Statute and incorporation of the crimes under the Rome Statute into Lebanese legislation, so that ISIS can be heldso as to hold accountable for the atrocities being committed in Northern Lebanon by ISIS.

Round table discussions on the ICC have been held between Lebanese officials and Ccoalition members. The Lebanese law makers have voiced concerns in relation to the obstacles to the national Process of accession,’ including constitutional issues and the presence of armed movements on its territories.

CICC members in Lebanon continue public education and government outreach efforts towards ratification.