Lebanon

Lebanon’s political institutions were paralyzed as the country remained without a president, and parliamentary elections—initially planned for June 2013—were postponed again. The government’s failure to provide basic services, including garbage removal, led to a wave of protests. In some instances, security forces used excessive force to quell these protests. New entry regulations seriously restricted Syrian refugees from reaching Lebanon, while stringent residency renewal regulations leaves many of Lebanon’s Syrian refugees without legal status. With limited international support, the government struggled to meet refugees’ needs. Draft laws to stop torture and improve the treatment of migrant domestic workers stalled in parliament.