Interview with the author: Marie Ghantous

In a few words, how would you sum up the status of freedom of association in Lebanon?
The exercise of freedom of association is like many other things in Lebanon: it is caught up between two conflicting forces. What is pushing the country forward, even if some do not agree, are our multi-confessionalism and the desire of civil society organizations to preserve progress that has been made in this realm. What is pulling it backwards is the temptation for authorities to return to practices that are still being applied in other countries in the region. We experienced attempts at regression during the war, between 1975 and 1990, but even during this period, Human Rights supporters were able (with considerable aid from the law) to maintain what they had acquired.
What are your personal feelings about the future of this freedom?
The key to the peaceful exercise of freedom of association lies within the education of Lebanese citizens. I still hear lawyers or jurists use the word “authorization” far too often when referring to the creation of associations. We need to educate people in order to firmly fix the notion of freedom of association in their minds and avoid going backwards.
The government must also assume its responsibilities and dissolve illegal associations. Likewise, the creation of a ministry for sports, youth and associations would end affiliation to the Ministry of Interior.
Marie Ghantous is a Lawyer, Professor and President of the ADLL (Association pour la défense des droits et libertés)
Interview carried out in October 2007