Protecting and promoting human rights is critical for sustainable development and for building more inclusive, open and resilient societies.

Recent data shows that, globally, implementation of human rights is challenging in most countries. In this context, the EU re-affirmed its commitment to support human rights and democracy worldwide by adopting the ‘Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024’. The Action Plan identifies priorities and key actions. The Regulation (EU) 2021/947 (NDICI-Regulation) establishes the legal basis for the human rights and democracy actions.

The Thematic Programme on Human Rights and Democracy foreseen in the Regulation (EU) 2021/947 Global Europe is the successor to the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). Building on the achievements and best practices of the former programme, it keeps and strengthens some of its main flagship priorities (e.g. protection of human rights defenders; democracy strengthening).

In a challenging context, which continues to be dominated by a multi-faceted political and socio-economic crisis characterized by an institutional vacuum, an economic gridlock, the absence of structural reforms, and no prospect for short- or medium-term economic recovery, Lebanon continues to face significant Human Rights-related issues in a series of domains.

Access to justice for people deprived from liberty
The police detention and prison system faces numerous challenges. Lebanon’s detention and prison facilities suffer from overcrowding, poor living conditions and inadequate healthcare and sanitation facilities. Key principles of the Mandela Rules are yet to be implemented. Additionally, there are concerns about the prolonged pre-trial detention of up to 60% of the individuals awaiting trial. Delays in the judicial proceedings contribute to a backlog of cases and prolonged pre-trial detentions, violating individuals' rights to a fair and timely trial and further overcrowding prisons.

Rights of the Child
Despite concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of the socio-economic crisis on vulnerable groups, and while Lebanon has signed the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, respect of children's rights in Lebanon is deteriorating. Data collection and reporting on children’s rights is not comprehensive. A comprehensive policy and legal framework to protect children’s right is yet to be adopted. Family law, including child marriage, custody and inheritance fall under the jurisdiction of the religious courts and the lack of harmonization of the different family laws is not in the best interests of the child. There is no unified minimum age of marriage, but Lebanon launched in 2023 the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Child Marriage 2023-2030. According to reports of human rights organisations, Lebanese children continue to be exposed to domestic violence, neglect and abandonment, with shelters for children in distress overcrowded and operating with reduced operational budgets.

Digitalisation and use of new information and communication technologies
This is a key priority in Lebanon. Major developments in 2023 reported a worrying trend of high-profile activists and journalists summoned in retaliation for their online content. Individuals were also pressured to remove posts from social media pages, blogs and websites. Accusations of defamation and insult followed by investigations, harassment and detention were also used at times to put pressure on human rights defenders, journalists and other critics. Misinformation in online communication is wide-spread. To ensure that people are at the centre of the digital transformation, it is crucial that they develop skills to understand the quality of information from different sources. In this sense, media literacy is more important than ever. It empowers individuals to critically analyse, evaluate, and understand the variety of digital information and question the content consumed. Youth, in particular, need support in better recognizing misinformation, propaganda and threats in order to make informed decisions. This also entails being aware of the algorithms that shape our online experiences, often reinforcing our existing views and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Promoting online media literacy is key to empower individuals to become active, engaged
citizens in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The present call for proposals aims at supporting and strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs), democracy activists and human-rights defenders working on the above critical human rights and democracy issues.

The actions under this call for proposals will be implemented by the EU Delegation in Lebanon so as to: (i) better respond to the country-specific context; (ii) be as close as possible to the needs of the rights holders; and (iii) promote a sense of ‘ownership’ of the actions among local actors.
The actions will be in line with: (i) the EU action plan for human rights and democracy 2020-2024; (ii) EU guidelines on human rights; and (iii) the Human Rights and Democracy country strategy. All actions will follow a human rights based approach putting people at the centre of actions and focusing on promoting gender equality.

Apply here: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/online-services/#/