BEIRUT, Lebanon, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Human rights activists called on Lebanon Wednesday to submit a required report to the United Nations on the use of torture in its jails.
Human Rights Watch said Lebanon ratified the U.N. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment back in 2000, but never followed through with a required report on the steps it was taking to end the practices.
"It is not enough to sign conventions," Human Rights Watch said in a joint written statement from eight activist groups. "The government needs to comply with them."
According to Human Rights Watch, alleged torture by the Lebanese military has spiked last year when fighting erupted between the army and Islamic militants.
There have been some positive steps recently, including Red Cross access to prisons and better training for police. However the activist group said the government still does not aggressively investigate claims of abuse.
