From 12-16 May, 2014, the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) conducted a
Human Rights and Law of Armed Conflict engagement with the Lebanese Armed Forces in Beirut,
Lebanon.  This engagement, part of ongoing U.S. engagement with Lebanon, is designed to
enhance Lebanese armed forces compliance with the law of armed conflict and human rights
law at a time when the Lebanese military is responding to repercussions of the conflict in
neighboring Syria.

Topics discussed during this event include observing and respecting human rights, gender violence
during armed conflict, LOAC, rules for the use of force/rules of engagement (RUF/ROE), targeting
and rights against torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

Representatives from all branches of the Lebanese Armed Forces participated, along with subject
matter experts from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy.  Many of the participants
commented on how much they appreciated the openness of the dialogue, the experience of the
presenters, and the quality of the engagement.