Hello, dear colleagues!
This article is primarily written for law firms representing asylum applicants from
Lebanon and other countries in the
Middle East, although it may also be useful for applicants themselves.
My name is Maxim Kharitonov, and I am the founder of
The Human Rights, an international agency of expert witnesses specializing in expert reports for asylum seekers worldwide (website: thehuman-rights.com).
We provide expert witness reports on human rights violations, political persecution, and asylum-related risks across key regions, including:
- Post-Soviet Region (CIS): Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia.
- East Africa: Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda.
- South & Central Asia: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.
- Middle East: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.
- Western Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil.
- East Asia: China, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar.
In this article, I will explain how our team approaches the analysis of the situation in
Lebanon and other
Middle Eastern countries, highlight key issues related to human rights violations, and discuss why an expert witness report plays a crucial role in asylum cases
.
What is an Expert Witness Report?
As you may know, an
expert witness report is an independent analytical document used to substantiate facts, justify risks, and assess the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the applicant faces a real threat of persecution and cannot return to
Lebanon or another
Middle Eastern country due to the risks involved. The report serves as witness testimony in the asylum case, providing expert insight into the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Why is an Expert Witness Report Essential?
An expert witness report is crucial at every stage of the asylum process:
- At the application stage: It helps establish the applicant's personal risks and their connection to the general situation in Lebanon or another Middle Eastern country.
- At the appeal stage: If the application has been denied, the report can be used for a detailed analysis of the immigration authority’s decision, identifying errors, and providing additional evidence.
Key Functions of an Expert Witness Report
1.
Contextual AnalysisAn expert witness report confirms the broader situation in
Lebanon and other
Middle Eastern countries, including political instability, repression, and conflict, citing both international and local sources.
2.
Personal Risk AssessmentThe report demonstrates the connection between the applicant’s individual threats and the conditions in their country. Whether it’s due to their political views, ethnicity, religion, or gender, the report will explain why they are personally at risk in
Lebanon or another
Middle Eastern country.
3.
Strengthening the Evidence BaseAn expert witness report verifies that the applicant belongs to a vulnerable group facing persecution. Vulnerable groups can include ethnic or religious minorities, journalists, political activists, and women, particularly in countries like
Lebanon, where these groups may face targeted violence.
4.
Support with Credible SourcesThe report references authoritative organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and others. All sources are formatted according to the
OSCOLA citation standard.
Country Expert Witness on
Lebanon and
Middle Eastern Countries
At
The Human Rights, we specialize in preparing expert witness reports for asylum applicants from
Lebanon and other countries in the
Middle East region. Our reports are tailored to asylum cases in the
UK,
USA,
Canada, and the
EU, ensuring compliance with immigration law standards and expert witness requirements.
We provide in-depth analysis on the human rights situation in
Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries, addressing issues such as:
- Political Instability: Lebanon has experienced significant political turmoil and instability, with long-standing sectarian divides exacerbated by the influence of foreign powers. Asylum applicants from Lebanon may face persecution due to political affiliations, religious sects, or opposition to powerful groups such as Hezbollah.
- Sectarian Tensions: Lebanon's political system is heavily based on sectarian divisions, and certain religious or ethnic minorities may face systemic discrimination and violence. Sunni, Shia, Christian, and Druze populations often experience varying levels of security risks depending on the political and military alignments of the time.
- Human Rights Violations: Lebanon has a long history of human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Journalists, activists, and political dissidents may be subjected to imprisonment and violence from both state and non-state actors.
- Refugee Crisis: Lebanon hosts one of the highest numbers of refugees per capita, especially Palestinians and Syrians. Refugees in Lebanon, particularly Palestinians, face severe restrictions on their rights to work, move freely, and access healthcare and education.
- Gender-Based Violence: Women in Lebanon are often subject to discrimination and violence, including domestic abuse, honor killings, and limited access to legal recourse. Religious and cultural norms often inhibit women’s rights and freedom of expression.
- Economic Crisis: Lebanon is undergoing one of the most severe economic crises in history, leading to widespread poverty, lack of basic services, and increased vulnerability for marginalized groups. Asylum seekers who are seen as political dissidents or part of certain minority groups may be at greater risk due to the collapse of state infrastructure.
Why Choose Our Expert Witness Reports?
Collective Expertise & VerificationOur reports are prepared by regional country experts, researchers, and legal analysts, ensuring accuracy and depth. Every report undergoes fact-checking and validation by our senior experts before submission.
Court-Tested Reports & Expert TestimonyOur experts are available to testify in court, reinforcing the credibility of the asylum applicant’s case. We follow the highest standards of expert witness reporting, including OSCOLA citation formatting and references to leading human rights organizations (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNHCR, etc.).
Customized Reports for Each CaseWe tailor each report to the specific applicant’s circumstances, linking their personal risks to the broader situation in their country of origin.
Strong Track Record of SuccessOur reports have played a key role in successful asylum applications and appeals, helping individuals prove their risk of persecution.