Beyond Cells and Walls: Exploring Human Rights and Social Justice through Health and Nutrition in Lebanese Prisons

In light of the complex intersection of human rights, imprisonment with health and nutrition, the right to health lays as a basic and fundamental human right that often clashes with vulnerabilities and social injustice behind the prison’s walls and cells.

This study investigates how effectively the Lebanese prison healthcare system aligns with international human rights standards, particularly concerning food and healthcare access. It addresses a gap in research by focusing on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The central question in this thesis asks how effectively does the prison healthcare system in Lebanon meets international human rights standards, addresses the diverse needs of its prisoner population (including considerations of human dignity, physical, mental, and social health), and ensures equitable access for vulnerable groups, while considering potential shortcomings and opportunities for improvement. Data collection included documents review, interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The research explores both areas of strengths, like emergency referral systems, and shortcomings in outdated legislation, overcrowding, dietary quality, health screenings, and mental health resources. Financial and human resource limitations pose significant challenges. This study emphasizes the urgent need for legal reforms, improved policies, and systemic changes to achieve compliance. Multisectoral collaboration involving the Lebanese government through ministries, local and international NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations), and academic institutions is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access, upholding human rights and social justice, and ultimately promoting the well-being of all prisoners in Lebanon, and thereby promote for a sustainable society.