Lebanese Minister of Justice Participates in Arab Ministers of Justice Council Session and Calls for Activating Judicial Cooperation

Lebanese Minister of Justice Adil Nassar participated in the work of the 42nd session of the Arab Ministers of Justice Council, held in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria under the patronage of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, at the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Arab League Dr. Nabil Fahmy, with the participation of ministers of justice and representatives from Arab states.

This session comes within the framework of strengthening mechanisms for legal and judicial cooperation, activating relevant Arab agreements, contributing to consolidating justice and the rule of law, and facing common challenges.

The Council discussed a number of key files, most notably activating the Arab Convention on Combating Terrorism, the Arab Convention on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Crimes, enhancing Arab and international cooperation in combating terrorism, as well as following up on the implementation of decisions related to the Arab Convention against Corruption.

The Council also addressed the draft Arab Convention on the Status of Refugees in Arab Countries, the draft Arab Convention on Personal Data Protection, the draft Arab Model Law on Preventing Hate Speech, the draft Arab Model Law on Protecting and Assisting Internally Displaced Persons, the draft Unified Arab Model Law on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, in addition to the draft Arab Model Law on Protecting Children from Recruitment in Armed Conflicts, alongside new initiatives aimed at developing the Arab legal and judicial system and enhancing its effectiveness.

In an achievement reflecting Lebanon's status and role in joint Arab judicial work, Lebanon was unanimously selected as a member of the Executive Bureau of the Arab Ministers of Justice Council for two years, after nominating itself for this membership, a step that confirms Arab confidence in Lebanon and its ability to contribute effectively to developing legal and judicial cooperation among Arab countries.

In a speech during the session's proceedings, Minister Nassar thanked the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, president, government, and people, for hosting this meeting.

He began by stating that Lebanon faces significant challenges and is today caught between the hammer of Israel and the anvil of Iran, noting that it has chosen negotiation to stop the war and recover land, and is determined to restrict weapons to state hands.

Nassar praised the role played by the Council of Ministers of Justice in cooperation among Arab judicial and justice institutions, stressing the importance of moving from recommendations and decisions to practical steps that enhance the effectiveness of joint Arab action and keep pace with emerging legal transformations and challenges.

He affirmed that Lebanon, despite the challenges it faces, remains committed to its Arab role and to developing its judicial institutions, strengthening judicial independence, and consolidating the rule of law.

He stressed that combating corruption, terrorism, and organized crime requires close Arab coordination, exchange of expertise and information, and continuous development of legislation and judicial mechanisms, ensuring the achievement of justice and the protection of rights and freedoms.

In the closing session of the Council's work, participants praised the positive and fruitful results and constructive decisions emanating from the session, confirming that they constitute a qualitative addition and a new boost to the path of joint Arab action in the legal and judicial fields.