DIILS Delegation Meets with Aung San Suu Kyi

On August 28, the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) and members of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) co-hosted a two-day legal Affairs exchange in Naypyitaw for 20 Tatmadaw and Ministry of Defense officials. The dialogue, which was led by Captain Robert Sanders, JAGC, U.S. Navy, addressed international legal norms and practices with regard to military affairs. Sessions included discussions of the International Law of Armed Conflict, international human rights law, rules of engagement, as well as discussions of military command responsibility. Local participants represented all branches of the military.

U.S. Ambassador Derek Mitchell commented "This dialogue is consistent with Continuing efforts to build mutual understanding in order to promote human rights awareness, and promote the values and activities of a modern, disciplined and respected military that acts according to international norms."

The Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the State Department, sent an introductory DIILS delegation to Burma from July 8-13, 2013. DIILS has an educational mission, providing rule of law engagement and education focused on human rights, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict for international military and related civilians globally.  DIILS is the United States' lead defense security cooperation resource for professional legal education, and engagement.  DIILS' mission is to build partner legal capacity in the defense sector.