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4. Lebanon GENERAL, POLITICAL AND LEGAL OVERVIEW As the Syrian conflict spilled further into Lebanese borders, the country began witnessing a series of violent events between January and September 2014. Beirut’s southern suburbs and Beqaa Valley witnessed sporadic explosions. However, the new security plan implemented by the local authorities created a general sense of relief amongst the Lebanese population, especially those residing in the north of the country including Tripoli. The huge influx of Syrian refugees aggravated the economic and security burdens of the state. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees will have arrived in Lebanon by the end of 2014, representing one third of the total population of the country. President Michel Suleiman’s tenure ended abruptly this year and prior to any decision on who should assume presidency next; the country’s two major political movements, the 8th of March Alliance and 14th of March Alliance have yet to reach an agreement. The current Parliament’s term is
due to end on 20th November 2014. However, there is widespread concern that it will grant itself an extension similar to the events of May 2013, when it self-extended its term for a further 17 months. The extension was approved by 97 MPs after an eight-month deliberation and final rejection of a new elections law. Many legal experts described the extension as unconstitutional. The Lebanese Government established a nongovernmental organisation to receive donations and spend as they see fit, a stark violation of Lebanese law. The political and security challenges of Lebanon have made it increasingly difficult for the country to meet its human rights commitments. This, however, should not be seen as a justification for the Government to renege on its obligations as set forth by periodic UN human rights reports. Several human rights reports have not been filed by the Lebanese state for more than 19 years. This could be attributed to the lack of coordination between various agencies within the country. Lebanon is due to present its second national report to the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in October 2015 when the country will be subjected to questioning about its implementation of 41 recommendations made by 49 countries during the country’s first UPR in 2010.