Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Lebanon (Ratification: 1977)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. National strategy and coordination mechanism. The Committee notes the Government’s information, in its report, that the draft amendment to Act No. 164 of 2011 on the punishment for the crime of trafficking in persons has been referred to Parliament for review and approval. The objectives contained in the draft amendment law include protecting victims of human trafficking and creating a mechanism and procedures that ensure they receive the necessary assistance; ensuring just and effective punishment of traffickers; enhancing national and international cooperation; and establishing the “National Commission to Combat Human Trafficking”.

The Committee expresses the firm hope that the amendment of Act No. 164 of 2011 on the punishment for the crime of trafficking in persons is adopted in the near future and that the National Commission to combat human trafficking and victim assistance and protection is duly established to ensure better coordination and monitoring of the measures to combat trafficking.

2. Identification and protection. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Identification, Assistance and Protection of Victims of Trafficking in Persons which aim to enhance early identification, improve access to protection and justice, and ensure a unified, victim-centred response nationwide.

The Committee further notes the Government’s information on measures taken to protect victims of trafficking in persons. It observes, for instance, that the Ministry of Social Affairs has established a specialized team of 25 female social workers to manage trafficking cases, support victims and refer them to the IOM. The Ministry will also collaborate with the IOM on a joint action plan in Tripoli, Tyre, Achrafieh and Bourj Hammoud, focusing on case management and capacity-building for assisting migrants and other vulnerable groups exposed to violence, exploitation and abuse. The Ministry has additionally developed an assessment tool for identifying the needs of female migrant workers subjected to violence or trafficking; prepare multilingual awareness materials on rights and duties, and provide hotline services.

The Committee also notes wider efforts to protect women and girls from violence, including trafficking. These include the National Strategy for Women in Lebanon 2022–2030, which foresees awareness-raising on trafficking, training on the SOPs for relevant authorities, and capacity-building for judges. In July 2024, the Ministry of Social Affairs, in cooperation with national and international partners, adopted new Standards for Temporary Shelters for women and girls survivors of violence, including trafficking, to ensure safe and inclusive environments. Shelters unable to accommodate a survivor must immediately identify an alternative safe location. In this context, safe spaces have been established in the Ministry’s development service centres, serving approximately 8,000 women and girls and providing free specialized services, including healthcare, psychosocial support, economic empowerment, case management and legal counselling.

The Committee encourages the Government to continue strengthening mechanisms for the proactive identification of, and comprehensive assistance to, victims of trafficking for both labour and sexual exploitation, including through the implementation of the newly adopted SOPs.It requests the Government to provide detailed information on the number of victims identified, disaggregated by type of exploitation, age, gender and on the forms of assistance provided, including shelter, medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid and referral services.

4. Enforcement. The Committee recalls that section 586.2 of the Penal Code, introduced by Act No. 164 of 2011, criminalizes trafficking in persons and provides for penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine. It also recalls that, while the Internal Security Forces (ISF) work to identify trafficking cases, responsibility for investigating and prosecuting such crimes lies with the Human Trafficking Repression and Morals Protection Bureau of the Judicial Police. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in cooperation with the ISF, General Security and the judicial authorities, the Army is actively working to uncover and dismantle trafficking networks. These efforts include conducting raids, strengthening land and maritime border controls, participating in training with international organizations and judicial investigators, and enhancing protective measures for vulnerable communities at risk of exploitation.

The Committee requests the Government to continue reinforcing inter-agency coordination to ensure effective identification, investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases. It also requests the Government to provide updated information, once available, on: (i) the number of investigations and prosecutions initiated for trafficking for both labour and sexual exploitation; (ii) the penalties imposed under section 586.2 of the Penal Code; and (iii) any challenges encountered in law enforcement efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.