MP Kayrooz submit a formal query on the delay in implementing the VAW bill

Lebanese Forces MP, Elie Kayrooz, filed a formal query to the Cabinet through Speaker Nabih Berri demanding clarifications for the delay in enacting some provisions of Law No. 293 dating 7/5/2014 for the protection of women and family members against domestic violence, particularly since the passing of the bill was formally made public in the Official Gazette. The formal request for clarification stated the following: “We ask the Lebanese government, specifically their Excellency, Justice Minister, Ashraf Rifi, Interior Minister, Nuhad Al Almashnuk and Social Affairs Minister, Rashid Derbas to give justifications for the 10 month delay since last May 2014 to date, in the enforcement of Article 5 providing for the establishing of a special unit at the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF), shall carry tasks similar to the judiciary police and shall examine the complaints submitted before the same and referred thereto according to the provisions of the present law? How long will battered women continue to file complaints as stipulated by the said Law to non-specialized Judicial Police members, and in clear violation of Article 5 of the same Law, thus reversing the validity of the Law and emptying it from its executive power and most basic validations? As such, we put forward this letter, demanding that you refer our above enquiry to the Cabinet of Ministers, namely to ministers concerned, demanding an answer in writing to our query within a period of maximum 15 days from the date of receiving this letter. (Al Mustaqbal, 12 March 2015)