Journal Medical Libanais (JML) is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and accountable editorial process. The journal welcomes constructive feedback and provides a formal mechanism for authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders to submit complaints or appeal editorial decisions. All complaints and appeals are handled impartially, confidentially, and in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

Scope of Complaints and Appeals

Complaints and appeals may relate to, but are not limited to:

• Editorial decisions (acceptance or rejection of a manuscript).
• Peer review process or reviewer conduct.
• Delays in manuscript processing or publication.
• Alleged editorial bias or unfair treatment.
• Publication ethics concerns.
• Authorship disputes.
• Corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern.
• Allegations of research or publication misconduct.
• Conflicts of interest involving editors, reviewers, or authors.
• Any aspect of the journal's editorial or publication process.

Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors who believe that their manuscript was rejected due to a procedural error, misunderstanding, or factual mistake may submit a formal appeal. Appeals must be based on scientific or procedural grounds rather than a disagreement with reviewers' opinions alone.

The appeal should include:

• The manuscript title and manuscript identification number (if applicable).
• A clear explanation of the reasons for the appeal.
• A detailed response addressing the editorial decision or reviewers' comments.
• Any additional supporting evidence or documentation relevant to the appeal.

Submission of an appeal does not guarantee reconsideration or acceptance of the manuscript.

Complaint Handling Procedure

All complaints are acknowledged promptly and reviewed by the Editorial Office. The journal will conduct an objective assessment of the complaint and, where necessary, request additional information from the complainant, authors, reviewers, editors, or relevant institutions.

Complaints are handled confidentially, and every effort is made to resolve them fairly, professionally, and within a reasonable timeframe.

Investigation Process

The Editor-in-Chief or an independent member of the Editorial Board who was not involved in the original decision will review appeals and complaints to ensure impartiality. When necessary, external experts or institutional representatives may be consulted.

Investigations are conducted in accordance with the COPE guidance and follow principles of fairness, transparency, confidentiality, and due process.

Editorial Decisions

Following the investigation, the journal may take one or more of the following actions:

• Uphold the original editorial decision.
• Reconsider the manuscript for further editorial assessment or peer review.
• Request additional revisions or clarification.
• Correct administrative or procedural errors.
• Issue a correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction where appropriate.
• Implement improvements to editorial procedures if deficiencies are identified.

The decision of the Editor-in-Chief following the completion of the appeal process is considered final.

Confidentiality

All complaints, appeals, supporting documents, and correspondence are treated as confidential. Information will only be shared with individuals directly involved in resolving the matter or where disclosure is required by law or institutional policy.

Protection Against Retaliation

Journal Medical Libanais is committed to ensuring that individuals who submit complaints or raise concerns in good faith are treated fairly and without retaliation. Complaints submitted maliciously, in bad faith, or without supporting evidence may not be investigated.

Continuous Improvement

The journal regularly reviews complaints and appeals to identify opportunities for improving editorial policies, peer review procedures, and publication practices. Feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers is valued and contributes to the continuous enhancement of the journal's quality and transparency.

Compliance with International Standards

Journal Medical Libanais manages complaints and appeals in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). By ensuring a transparent, fair, and accountable process, the journal reinforces its commitment to ethical publishing, editorial integrity, and the protection of the rights of all participants in the scholarly publication process.