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    Our Rule of Law Work in Lebanon

    Strengthening Criminal Justice Processes: Judicial and Prosecutorial Training and Enabling Alternative Dispositions

    ABA ROLI is training judges and prosecutors on investigating and adjudicating cases involving complex financial crimes, cybercrimes, and corruption. International experts share best practices in the gathering, preservation, and evaluation of evidence, including digital evidence and evidence obtained from other countries through formal and informal processes. When Lebanon’s pandemic-related travel bans and curfews went into effect, ABA ROLI shifted training activities to online platforms. In partnership with the High Judicial Council, ABA ROLI also supports the development of strategies to enable alternative dispositions. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

    Priorities and Recommendations following the Beirut Port Explosion

    In late 2020, ABA ROLI began a series of interviews with Lebanese civil society activists, academics, lawyers, and victims to discuss Lebanese priorities for assistance following the Beirut Port explosion. Respondents discussed law-related needs; gaps in Lebanon’s justice sector more generally; and issues highlighted by the current crises with regard to transparency and accountability.  ABA ROLI's objective was to develop strategies for support based on local priorities and needs— taking into account systemic challenges that impede development in Lebanon. ABA ROLI is supporting dialogue on issues of concern among local civil society and justice sector actors.