LOUDER hosted a round table discussion on October 4, 2023, with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Mr. Clément Voule. The event was an opportunity for LOUDER and other civil society actors to share their experiences and challenges in exercising these rights in Lebanon and the region, as well as to learn from Mr. Voule’s insights and recommendations. The round table discussion also explored the impact of digital technologies on the rights to peaceful assembly and associations and how to best use them to promote and protect these rights in the digital age.

The round table discussion was part of LOUDER’s ongoing advocacy and awareness-raising activities on the rights to peaceful assembly and association, which are essential for the development of a democratic and inclusive society. LOUDER is grateful to Mr. Voule for his participation and engagement and looks forward to continuing the dialogue and cooperation with him and his mandate.

The round table discussion was also part of the process of drafting a protocol on the best standards for organizing public assembly, which Mr. Voule is working which aims to provide practical guidance and good practices for organizers of peaceful assemblies, as well as for authorities and other stakeholders, based on international human rights standards and principles. The protocol is expected to be finalized and published by March 2024 LOUDER hopes that the protocol will contribute to the protection and promotion of the rights to peaceful assembly and association in Lebanon and beyond