Frem Submits Seven Draft Laws to Reinforce the Principle of “People First”

The Chairman of Project Watan’s Executive Board, MP Neemat Frem, held a press conference in Parliament after submitting seven draft laws addressing citizens’ rights – those of mothers, fathers, children, and persons with special needs – as well as the protection of personal privacy and the strengthening of the bond between citizens and their country, thus giving concrete expression to the slogan “People First”.

He stated: “Today, I return to Parliament two months after the accident I was subjected to, and I have submitted seven draft laws that we at Project Watan have worked on over the past two years.”

He added: “Mothers, fathers, and children in Lebanon are suffering, as are all persons with special needs. That is why we have dedicated these draft laws to them today.”

Frem explained that “the first legislative package concerns the rights of mothers, fathers, and children, as well as general public rights, and includes four draft laws:

First: A draft law extending maternity leave to 14 weeks as a first step, since a 10-week leave is insufficient and very limited compared to what is granted in many countries around the world – something we experience in both our public and private lives. We hope to work toward extending this period further at a later stage.

Second: The introduction of paternity leave, which Lebanon currently lacks. It is unacceptable for a father not to be alongside his family during the first week following childbirth. The proposal grants eight days of paid paternity leave.

Third: While the Lebanese legislature has previously adopted laws aimed at protecting children, Lebanon has yet to enact a comprehensive and integrated legal framework governing these rights. The third draft law we submitted includes detailed provisions affirming the child’s right to a family, proper care, education, and protection. It also sets penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for violations of children’s rights.

Fourth: The protection of private life. Today, Lebanon is witnessing widespread abuse on social media, with some individuals publishing recordings or images that infringe on personal privacy.”

As for the second legislative package, Frem said it concerns persons with special needs. “It provides for exempting holders of disability cards from income tax, whether they work in the public or private sector,” he explained. “This measure encourages their employment by reducing the burden on employers and the state. It also exempts them from registration fees in public schools and at the Lebanese University.”

The lawmaker further noted “a small loophole in the law related to the renewal of equipment used by persons with special needs. While the Ministry of Social Affairs subsidizes such equipment, there is no provision mandating its renewal in cases of malfunction or once it reaches the end of its lifespan. This has now been addressed in the draft law.”

Regarding the final draft law, Frem said that it aims to “support national life in Lebanon and deepen the citizen’s relationship with their country by designating a school day for visits to the National Museum and familiarizing students with their history, fostering greater commitment to and pride in Lebanon.”

He concluded: “These laws address fundamental issues in Lebanon that must not be overlooked or forgotten amid the many files and crises the country is facing, because the guiding principle must always remain ‘People First.’”