Parliamentarians for Global Action congratulates members of the Lebanese National Assembly on the historic adoption, on 11 August 2026, of the law abolishing the death penalty. This is a major step forward and a victory for human rights, effectively ending the moratorium Lebanon has observed since 2004.
After more than two decades without executions, and thanks to years of advocacy by survivors, human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and the indispensable commitment of parliamentarians, Lebanon has today reaffirmed its dedication to fundamental human rights principles. By becoming the second country of the Southwest Asia and North Africa region, after Djibouti, to completely abolish the death penalty in law, Lebanon stands as a regional pioneer, and this despite the current atrocities committed on its territory due to the ongoing war.
I am proud, as a member of parliament, to have championed this bill alongside my colleagues, driven by the conviction that such cruel and inhumane punishment has no place in Lebanon. With this vote, we have demonstrated the Lebanese people’s commitment to human rights and restorative justice. The Lebanese people remain true to their values: human dignity and freedom. It is these values that must remain at our core, as we continue to work for a better future for generations to come. Hon. Georges Okais, MP (Lebanon), PGA Member
The draft law was submitted to the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee on 7 October 2025, sponsored by Hon. Georges Okais, PGA Member, among other committed parliamentarians. Following its approval by the Committee on 23 February 2026, the bill was adopted by the Parliamentary Justice Committee and the Joint Committee on 2 and 9 July 2026 respectively, before finally passing in plenary session on 11 August 2026.
This new law replaces capital punishment with life imprisonment with hard labour. While this penalty exists in current Lebanese legislation, the National Human Rights Committee has noted that it remains incompatible with international human rights standards. The law, which has received support from the government, is due to be transmitted to the President for signature and published in the Official Gazette before entering into force.
According to Amnesty International, at least 57 people remained on death row at the end of 2025.
To solidify this commitment, Parliamentarians for Global Action calls on Lebanese parliamentarians to:
- Urge authorities to ensure that all death sentences are commuted;
- Call on their government to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
- Ensure the government votes in favor of the upcoming UN General Assembly resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty, in December 2026.
