Judicial reforms in Lebanon, recently passed by the Lebanese parliament, have been described as a step in the right direction but insufficient according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The legislation, aimed at restructuring the judiciary, will take effect in January 2026 but has drawn criticism for failing to fully ensure judicial independence and transparency.

The new law introduces several changes intended to enhance the autonomy of the judiciary. These changes include increased participation of judges in judicial elections, the ability for judges to nominate themselves for various judicial roles, and strengthened judicial self-governance. Additionally, the law supports judges' freedom of expression and sets strict criteria for the removal of judges from their positions. It also restructures the Supreme Judicial Council to increase oversight and reduce executive interference.

Despite these advancements, HRW has raised concerns, particularly regarding Article 42 concerning the Office of Public Prosecution. This provision allows the head public prosecutor to halt ongoing legal proceedings, which could hinder investigations. The process by which the law was adopted has also been contentious, with disputes over vote counting and last-minute amendments that were not thoroughly reviewed by parliamentarians.

Critics, including HRW, argue that the law disregards several recommendations from NGOs and the Venice Commission, an advisory group for the Council of Europe on constitutional matters. These recommendations are crucial for aligning Lebanon's judicial reforms with international standards of judicial independence.

HRW has called on the Lebanese government and parliament to revise the law to incorporate these international recommendations. They also urge the removal of military court jurisdiction over civilians to safeguard freedom of political expression.

The urgency for judicial reform in Lebanon has been underscored by the country's struggle with political and economic crises, notably the 2020 Beirut explosion and the severe economic downturn beginning in 2019. These events have placed additional strain on Lebanon's judicial system, impacting its efficiency and independence. In the latest Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project, Lebanon was ranked 108 out of 142 countries, highlighting the critical need for robust judicial reforms.

As Lebanon continues to navigate these challenging times, the global community watches closely, hoping for reforms that will ensure a fair, independent, and transparent judiciary capable of upholding the rule of law and contributing to the nation's recovery.