Who we are
The Orthodox Welfare Association for Prisoners (OWAP) is a Lebanese non-profit that supports and rehabilitates prisoners and their families and helps them reintegrate into society.
Our mission
To plant hope in the hearts of those who have lost it, and to work with partners and supporters for social justice and mercy.
Our vision
A society that believes in second chances, supports the rehabilitation and social reintegration of prisoners and their families, and works for justice and mercy for all.
Our values
Mercy
We believe in mercy and compassion towards every person.
Social justice
We work for a fair and just society.
Hope
We plant hope in the hearts of those who have lost it.
Dignity
We respect the dignity of every person, whatever their past.
Change
We believe in every person's capacity to change and grow.
Our objectives
From Article 3 of the statutes
- 1
To care for the affairs of prisoners and provide them with spiritual care.
- 2
To follow and care for prisoners and their families socially, psychologically and legally, inside and outside prisons across Lebanon.
- 3
To help rehabilitate prisoners and prisons, and to establish care, training and rehabilitation centres and workshops that help them rejoin society.
- 4
To carry out all lawful efforts and activities inside and outside prisons, to cooperate with individuals and institutions concerned with prisoners locally, regionally and internationally, and to hold and take part in conferences and seminars.
- 5
To run activities that raise awareness among young people and help keep them from going astray, and to publish material that builds public awareness.
- 6
To provide the relevant departments and administrations with studies, reports, research, observations and projects on prisons and prisoners.
Board
Father Basilios Debs
President, and Greek Orthodox representative on the National Higher Committee for Prisons
Elie El Bitar, lawyer
Secretary
George Rizk, lawyer
Head of public relations