Parliament committee finalizes draft media law, UNESCO urges swift adoption
UNESCO welcomed Wednesday the completion of parliamentary committee deliberations on Lebanon’s draft Media Law, describing it as a major milestone in a reform process that has spanned nearly 15 years.
The draft law, submitted in late 2025 by the Minister of Information with sustained technical support from UNESCO, will now be referred to the General Assembly for debate and adoption.
The Chair of the Parliamentary Administration and Justice Committee, George Adwan, announced that the Committee has finalized its review and amendments to the draft law. He noted that the proposed legislation reflects the profound transformation of the media landscape and introduces a modern framework that strengthens protections for freedom of expression and media professionals while keeping pace with digital developments.
The finalized draft introduces several significant reforms that align with international standards on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. Notably, it abolishes the criminalization, imprisonment, and pretrial detention of media professionals for publication-related offenses, reinforcing the principle that media-related matters should not be subject to custodial penalties.
The draft also abolishes the Publications Court and provides for the establishment of an independent, specialized civil media court, ensuring that journalists and media professionals are no longer subject to military or criminal courts for their professional work.
"This reform represents a fundamental step toward strengthening judicial safeguards and due process in media-related cases," the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut said in a statement.
"In addition, the draft law strengthens the freedom and institutional independence of media organizations by explicitly prohibiting political or security interference in their work. It extends its provisions to electronic news websites and digital platforms, recognizing the evolving nature of the media ecosystem and ensuring that the legal framework keeps pace with digital transformation."
The draft provides for the establishment of an independent National Media Authority composed of experts, legal professionals, and representatives of trade unions to regulate and oversee the sector in a transparent and accountable manner. This body is designed to enhance professional standards, promote pluralism, and safeguard the independence of media regulation.
The finalization of the draft law represents an important step toward replacing Lebanon’s outdated media legislation with a modern, rights-based framework, UNESCO said. "In a rapidly evolving media and digital environment, the adoption of a new Media Law is essential to safeguard freedom of expression, ensure media pluralism, enhance access to information, and strengthen the protection and safety of journalists."
In line with its global mandate to promote freedom of expression, access to information, and the safety of journalists, UNESCO said it has provided sustained technical expertise throughout the reform process. Working in close coordination with the Ministry of Information, parliamentary committees, and national stakeholders, UNESCO contributed comparative legal analysis and advisory support to help align the draft with international standards and best practices.
UNESCO reiterated its commitment to continue supporting national partners in advancing media sector reform and fostering an enabling environment for free, independent, and pluralistic media. It expressed hope that Parliament will prioritize its debate and adoption, reaffirming Lebanon’s commitment to democratic governance, media pluralism, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
