The assembled group of 20 Internal Security Forces (ISF) personnel break into a round of applause as each of their colleague’s names are called. In turn they step up, shake hands with their chief and the UNIFIL trainers, and receive their certificates. The group has just completed an intensive week long police experience exchange course in UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura.

Colonel Abdo Khalil, Internal security Forces Chief of the Tyre and Bint Jbeil areas, elaborates on the key role ISF has in Lebanon, “I am sure you have noticed, through the example of the warrant officers and officers present here, that they do all tasks. ISF works almost on everything, starting from prisons, traffic and investigations, as well as protecting public properties. All these fall in the framework of our tasks.” 

“This is the Second Police Experience Exchange Training for ISF personnel that UNIFIL has facilitated,” explains Nisheet Kumar, UNIFIL’s Police Advisor. “During the five days training, participants update their techniques on a wide range of activities including self-defense, driving prisoners, Code of Conduct, arrest and first aid. Crucially the course also covers sensitive issues such as investigations involving children, women and drug addicts, Human Rights and HIV- AIDS awareness.”

Reflecting on the week long course, Colonel Abdo Khalil expressed his satisfaction with it, adding, “We acquire expertise and at the same time we exchange our expertise.”

Iman Ismail from UNIFIL contextualises how capacity building and experience exchange courses are a key aspect of UNIFIL’s mandate under UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701. 
“One of the main mandates of UNSCR 1701 is the support for state authorities. Today, we are witnessing experience sharing between the Lebanese Internal Security Forces and three international police units from UNIFIL - the Carabinieri from Italy, Gendarmerie from France and the Guardia Civil from Spain. It’s the first time such a training gathers so many participants from so many different countries together.”

Kinana Rahal from UNIFIL’s HIV unit, who gave a session on personal safety was inspired by the contributions the ISF personnel made. “We spoke about the means of protection and prevention against the transmission of blood borne diseases. They could be exposed to the transmission of disease while helping injured people and so we advised on the importance of using gloves during such operations. Why are we explaining this to them? Because we know they work in the front lines, and they are the first people to arrive at the scene when an accident happens.”

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Article: Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Video Camera: Mohamad Hamze 
Video Editor: Suzane Badereddine, Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Stills: Pascual Gorriz, Mohamad Hamze
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