Lebanon

Protecting women from domestic violence

“Violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable and never tolerable. Violence against women cannot be tolerated in any form, in any context, in any circumstance, by any political leader of by any government” 

Using these expressions, Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary-General launched in 2008 the campaign to “End Violence Against Women” that aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. 

Aware of the impact of violence against women in the world, and in Lebanon particularly, and on the occasion of the international day to “End Violence Against Women” which takes place every November 25th, the United Nations Development Programme- Parliament Project and the Parliament’s Secretariat organized a workshop on Wednesday the 2nd of December at the parliament. 

The workshop entitled “law proposal on the protection of women from domestic violence in Lebanon” was held in cooperation with the parliamentary commission of Women and Children and with the support of the International Parliamentarian Union. 

A number of parliamentarians, representatives from civil society organizations, and women activists who attended this workshop tackled the issue of violence against women and discussed a law proposal submitted by the Campaign to Legalize the Protection of Women against Domestic Violence. 

This proposal includes a number of recommendations such as: the criminalization of the domestic violence in all its aspects, the creation of a unit specialized in domestic violence inside the Security forces… 

Ms. Abir Abi Khalil, UNDP Project Manager at the Parliament, explained that the workshop is an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the best mechanisms and possible policies to protect women from domestic violence in Lebanon. 

“The fight against domestic violence is the collective responsibility of parliamentarians, government institutions and civil society, said H.E Ms. Gilberte Zouein, chairwoman of the Women and Child Parliamentary Commission urging to the abolition of the discriminatory laws concerning this subject. 

Ms. Randa Berry stated that violence against women comes in different aspects, such as political, social, legal, psychological violence or violence at work. “This widespread problem can ruin the whole family” she added. 

“The issue of domestic violence can easily affect the progress and development of the country” according to speaker Berry represented by MP Michel Moussa. 

“The parliament is looking forward to issue the needed legislations to protect women from domestic violence and to guarantee her full participation in the society.” 

The workshop also included a video presentation called “Najiyat- Survivors” produced by KAFA on testimonies and experiences of women who are victims of violence. 

“This video is not but a small example of what Lebanese women who comes to the listening and counseling centers are suffering from, said Ms. Zoya Rouhana director of the NGO Kafa enough violence and exploitation. 

She also hoped that the government will play a role in issuing related legislations and in defending the human rights of men and women, mainly those related to the right to live in dignity.

An exhibition entitled “Lebanese Silent Witness”, on testimonies of women who were victims of violence, is taking place in the parliament from 3 until 10 December.