Four years after Lebanon’s historic economic collapse, its political elites, who are experts at surviving, are pushing for a recovery that would avoid the strict reforms the International Monetary Fund is demanding.
The country’s power brokers—politicians, bankers, and sectarian leaders—have been actively working to hasten the country’s plunge into the abyss during one of the greatest financial crises in recent history.
To be clear, when Lebanon disintegrates, there will be a rise in radicalization, an increase in Iranian influence, severe instability, and widespread crime. Now is the moment for broad, coordinated pressure to restrain the Lebanese elite who are pushing the country down a cliff if the West wants to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring at Europe’s doorstep.

The Next Century Foundation has submitted a written statement to the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council on behalf of and in the name of Mr. Assaad Emile Chaftari and Mr. Jaafar El-Ahmar.

Written Statement

Click here for the full Written Statement as submitted to the UN, the main text of which is copied below: