On August 2, ABAAD (Dimensions) held a press conference at Ladurée – Villa Zein in Downtown Beirut for media professionals and partners supporting the #Undress522 campaign “A White Does Not Cover Up Rape”, which aims to repeal Article 522 of the Lebanese Penal Code.
The purpose of the meeting was to thank media professionals for their efforts in supporting the abolition of Article 522 and their follow-up through news reports and social media platforms.
Attorney Danielle Hoyek from ABAAD praised the cooperation with media professionals and their role in sensitizing a large majority of Lebanese citizens on Art. 522, which is a key factor in influencing decision-makers to take the final step.
“Although we are awaiting the Lebanese Parliament’s ratification of the formal abolition of Art. 522 of the Lebanese Penal Code, our struggle is not limited to this repeal”, Hoyek said. “With the demands for the amendment of the Domestic Violence Act – which has been amended without granting enough protection for women and girls and their dignity, with Art. 505 and 518 of the Lebanese Penal Code, and the proposed law to raise the minimum age for marriage as well as other demands, the struggle still has a long road ahead and we will remain steadfast in our position to reject any bargaining or “bidding” on women’s rights in our country”.
The meeting was also an occasion to celebrate the awards ABAAD received for its #Undress522 campaign by the Human Rights Council in Geneva and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, in addition to the Best Costume and Targeted Message award by the 2016 Beirut International Marathon.