Colombian participant addresses LCHR Graduation while
a U.S. SOUTHCOM Representative looks on.

Five Colombian officers were among 22 military officers and civilian officials from 13 countries participating in the DIILS Law of Armed Conflict and Human Rights Course (LCHR) at the Naval Station in Newport Rhode Island,
16 April to 4 May 2012.
The 3-week LCHR course prepares commanders and staff officers to conduct operations, including multinational operations, in accordance with the law of armed conflict and human rights law.  Participants analyze the application of international humanitarian law (law of armed conflict) and human rights law to a variety of domestic and international operations.
The Colombians' presentation to the LCHR class focused on national efforts to promote human rights in the context of domestic counter-insurgency operations.  The class selected the senior Colombian officer to serve as the participant speaker at their graduation.
Mr. Samuel Londono, Chief of International Law at U.S. Southern Command, gave the commencement address at the LCHR graduation.

La Bamba practice - Music- the universal language that transcends
boundaries.

Graduation performance.

Ghana LCHR Participant shares a song
of Hope.

New International Colleagues and
Friendships forged.

Course Director and DIILS Deputy Director.

Colombian Participant and DIILS Staff at Graduation.

DIILS Program Manager and
Latvian Participant.

Participants from different continents
are now colleagues.

Exchanging cards to keep in touch with new colleagues
and friends.