Under the United Against Torture Consortium, Omega was pleased to be able to provide small grants to six civil society organisations to help further their work to address the unlawful use of force by police or other state officials. The Cedar Centre for Legal Studies in Lebanon was one of the organisations we were able to support. They have written this guest blog piece, and we are pleased to be able to share their important work here:
Rehabilitation and Justice: How CCLS is Supporting Torture Survivors
From 01 June to 30 November 2025, the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS) implemented a targeted support initiative for survivors of torture in Lebanon, funded by the Omega Research Foundation as part of a broader programme supported by the European Union through the United Against Torture Consortium (UATC).
CCLS, a Lebanese organisation dedicated to advancing human rights and strengthening legal protections, expanded its work in December 2024 with the opening of a specialised rehabilitation centre for victims of torture. This centre provides a safe, multidisciplinary space offering legal, medical, and psychosocial services—marking a significant milestone in CCLS’s mission to ensure access to justice and holistic rehabilitation.
Within this shared vision, Omega Research Foundation—whose role within the UATC focuses on preventing torture linked to law enforcement equipment, practices, and accountability—partnered with CCLS to deliver direct support to survivors who face significant legal and medical barriers. Their collaboration reflects a broader commitment across the consortium to strengthen anti-torture protections and reinforce the rights of victims.
The project also supported the operational capacity of CCLS by covering the involvement of key staff members who ensured the effective coordination, monitoring, and delivery of services. This support enabled CCLS to maintain high-quality case management and provide a consistent and safe environment for survivors throughout the intervention.
The initiative responded to ongoing concerns highlighted in Lebanon’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), where torture remains a persistent issue despite notable legislative progress. Law No. 65/2017 formally criminalised torture, and the amendment of Article 47 of the Code of Criminal Procedure expanded detainees’ rights during interrogation. Yet gaps in implementation, limited oversight, and weak accountability mechanisms continue to undermine these reforms.
To address these challenges, CCLS delivered comprehensive legal and rehabilitative assistance, providing legal representation to four victims of torture, covering lawyer fees, court fees, and forensic medical consultations. The project also ensured access to essential health and psychological services, including 20 psychological support sessions, 16 general practitioner consultations, 25 physiotherapy sessions, and coverage of medications and related medical expenses. This integrated approach strengthened victims’ resilience and supported their pursuit of justice.
Through this initiative, CCLS, Omega Research Foundation, and the UATC reaffirm their commitment to combating torture in Lebanon and promoting meaningful, survivor-centred rehabilitation.