Ministry Statements & Speeches:
President,
New Zealand welcomes Lebanon’s participation in this process.
We acknowledge the devastating impacts that the Beirut explosion, the Covid-19 pandemic and the significant economic downturn have had on Lebanon this year.
New Zealand notes positively that Lebanon has not carried out executions since 2004. We recommend that Lebanon takes steps towards complete abolition of the death penalty, including through establishing a moratorium on executions and by ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
New Zealand further recommends that Lebanon fully respects, protects and fulfils the right to freedom of expression and association, and takes action to protect journalists and activists, and to fully enable non-governmental organisations and civil society to conduct their activities freely and safely.
New Zealand acknowledges and appreciates the challenges that Lebanon faces in hosting a significant number of refugees, and recommends that Lebanon allow refugees legal residence and freedom of movement.
Finally, New Zealand recommends that Lebanon ratify and implement the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Thank you, President.