To enhance the professionalism of the Lebanese law enforcement in serving its communities, Soldiers attended a conference on how to manage unruly crowds and political demonstrations within the parameters of international human rights laws.
The workshop organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in October 2020 stressed the importance of complying with humanitarian principles governing the use of force during public unrest. ICRC receives money from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.
Held at the Lebanese Armed Forces 11th Infantry Brigade headquarters, the sessions emphasized guidelines, roles and responsibilities of law enforcement officers in handling demonstrations, protests and rallies. Approximately 30 troops learned ways to preserve human rights while also protecting property and public institutions from vandalism. Such training is essential to build a culture of respect for international human rights law within the Lebanese military.
Article 13 of the Lebanese Constitution states: “The freedom to express one’s opinion orally or in writing, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of association shall be guaranteed within the limits established by law.”
Lebanese security forces have generally demonstrated high discipline and compliance with international human rights standards in handling popular demonstrations that erupted after the explosion of the Beirut port on August 5, 2020. Injuries among Lebanese security forces didn’t discourage them from continuing their work in guiding, directing and assisting victims of the explosion.
Sources: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Lebanese Army