Sharing ideas

Colombia recently hosted a DIILS seminar in Bogota on the Law of Armed Conflict and Human Rights.  A unique feature of this seminar was the attendance of representatives from several Colombian human rights organizations along with military and civilian Ministry of Defense lawyers. The seminar examined the role that the law of armed conflict and human rights law play in the spectrum of military operations. Topics covered included rules of engagement, transparency in military justice, targeting, and internal armed conflict, command responsibility and other LOAC and human rights subjects. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of the military in domestic operations.

One of the highlights of the seminar was a presentation by one of the leading human rights NGOs in Colombia, the Center for Research and Popular Education (CINEP). The CINEP representative explained the role played by human rights NGOs in society as well as their views on human rights issues. Throughout the week the CINEP representative and the military and civilian lawyers were able to exchange their views on LOAC and human rights, often times finding that their views were very similar. A number of participants commented on how these exchanges increased the mutual understanding and respect between the two groups.

Participants hear lectures in native language.

Graduation shot.