THE CANADIAN LEBANESE HUMAN RIGHTS (CLHRF)
Canada - Toronto
Website
http://www.clhrf.com
E.Mail clhrf@yahoo.com
Phone & Fax 905-2729389

Press Release
22/12/2002

Atrocities and Political Dhimmitude are no longer acceptable in Lebanon

The CLHRF strongly denounces the atrocities committed by the "Lebanese Security Forces" during the last two days against peaceful Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) supporters and activists in the city of Jbeil (Byblos) in Lebanon.

The CLHRF calls on the Lebanese authorities (Government, Parliament & Judiciary) to abide fully by all pertaining laws and regulations, and most importantly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It urges them to put an immediate end to the barbaric infringements, taking place since 1990, against the basic rights of opposition members, supporters, and leaders.

The CLHRF reminds the Lebanese authorities that by their inhuman conduct they not only portray Lebanon as a Stalinist country, but they also dishonor the country and all the patriotic Lebanese human rights advocates, especially the late Dr. Charles Malek who was Lebanon's ambassador at the founding of the U.N. Dr. Malek played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has become the most comprehensive document embodying the broadest consensus of contemporary civilization on human rights. The U.N. General Assembly adopted this document on Dec. 10, 1948. The late Eleanor Roosevelt called it the "Magna Carta of mankind."

Article 1 of the U.N. Charter proclaims that the role of the world body is to maintain international peace and security and also to promote respect for human rights. We learn (or should learn) from history that respect for human rights and absolute justice is a prerequisite for bringing about and keeping international peace. It is a sad reality that in many parts of the world, and in particular in occupied Lebanon, there exists anything but peace and respect for human rights.

The CLHRF stresses the fact that oppression inflicted on the Lebanese people will not deter in any way their peaceful, democratic and civilized struggle for a free, sovereign, and independent Lebanon. It calls on the Free World, the U.N., and all Human Rights organizations to support the Lebanese people in their demand for an urgent implementation of U.N. Resolution 520 that calls for the complete withdrawal of all foreign troops from all Lebanon and for the respect of Lebanon's sovereignty and independence.

The CLHRF calls upon all Lebanese leaders, dignitaries, clergymen, and organizations in both Lebanon and the Diaspora to take a clear and loud stance against the atrocities inflicted on the Lebanese people. The laizzez-faire attitude and the acquiescence to the status of subjugated "political Dhimmis" can no longer be acceptable.

For the CLHRF
Elias Bejjani