AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Public Statement

AI Index: MDE 18/015/2007 (Public)

News Service No: 210

31 October 2007

Embargo Date: 31 October 200700:00GMT

Lebanon: Amnesty International calls for inquiry into reports of looting and abuses at Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp

Amnesty International has written to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora calling for an urgent investigation into reports of looting, arson and vandalism of homes and property inside Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp since the Lebanese army regained control of the camp in September, and into continuing reports of harassment and abuse of Palestinian refugees by Lebanese army soldiers.

Between May and early September, Nahr al-Bared, near Tripoli, was the scene of heavy fighting between members of Fatah al-Islam, an extremist Islamic group who based themselves in the camp, and the Lebanese army. This caused the civilian population of the camp – some 30,000 Palestinian refugees – to be forcibly displaced from the camp. The fighting caused significant destruction and resulted in at least 400 deaths, including 42 civilians and 166 Lebanese army soldiers.

On 10 October, the first displaced refugees were allowed by the government to return to Nahr al-Bared. However, according to a variety of sources, since the army took control of the camp in early September there has been widespread looting, burning and vandalism of vacated Palestinian homes and property in Nahr al-Bared, adding to the devastation caused during the fighting. Many homes are reported to have been looted of their most valuable possessions, such as televisions, fridges, washing-machines, jewellery and money, some shops have also been looted and one community centre has had its electricity generator taken. A number of homes also appear to have been deliberately set on fire since the fighting ended, evidenced by remains of car-tyres, gas canisters used to start fires and stains from inflammable liquid sprayed onto walls. In addition, the walls of many homes are reported to have been daubed with anti-Palestinian graffiti and human faeces deposited on beds and other areas in homes – and in one case in a water well - apparently to cause offence or harm to returning residents.. At least three houses are reported to have been badly damaged or destroyed without justification in the weeks after the end of the fighting.

Although the first residents were allowed to return to Nahr al-Bared three weeks ago, the Lebanese authorities have continued to bar entry to the news media and have not permitted any photographic equipment to be taken into the camp. Even so, some pictures have emerged which seem to lend credibility to the reports of looting and vandalism since the end of the fighting. In its letter to Prime Minister Siniora, Amnesty International questioned the reasons for this denial of access to the media and other independent observers, noting that the restrictions may serve to fuel fears that the reports of looting and vandalism since the army took control of the camp are well-founded.

Amnesty International also urged the government to investigate allegations of harassment and abuse of Palestinians, particularly men, often after being stopped at army checkpoints in the vicinity of Nahr al-Bared. The organisation previously expressed concern over such reports in a letter to Defence Minister Elias al-Murr in June 2007, but received no response. According to the latest information, Palestinian men continue to be subjected to humiliating treatment – such as being made to lick soldiers’ boots – or physical ill-treatment, such as beatings. In the most serious cases, in October Amnesty International received information indicating that three Palestinian men had been tortured while held at the Ministry of Defence detention centre at al-Yarze, east of Beirut. Amnesty International urged the Lebanese government to establish an urgent, independent investigation into the reports of looting and vandalism since the army regained control of Nahr al-Bared and into the alleged humiliation and abuse of Palestinian refugees by Lebanese army personnel. The organisation called for any soldiers or officials found to have been responsible to be held to account and for those who have suffered losses to be compensated.