Beirut: Minister of Information, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, on Monday hosted UNESCO Program Director George Awad and a media delegation at his ministry office to discuss the launch of a joint initiative aimed at combating hate speech and incitement.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Morcos also disclosed that a dossier detailing attacks against journalists is being compiled and will be submitted to UNESCO in Paris. This step highlights the ministry's proactive approach in addressing issues related to media safety and freedom.
In addition, Minister Morcos had a phone conversation with Ambassador Hind Darwish, the Permanent Delegate of the Lebanese Mission to UNESCO. Ambassador Darwish briefed him on ongoing efforts to protect journalists and the forthcoming request being prepared for UNESCO on this matter.
Ambassador Darwish also informed Minister Morcos about an extraordinary meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The meeting will focus on classifying 39 sites in Lebanon as heritage sites, which will add to the 34 sites previously recognized, bringing the total to 73 sites.
Minister Morcos emphasized that Ambassador Darwish will address the issue of attacks on journalists with UNESCO's Committee for the Safety of Journalists and Freedom of Expression. This will be supported by the dossier she is preparing, supplemented by information from the Ministry of Information.