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    المديرية العامة لقوى الأمن الداخلي

    خدمة.ثقة.شراكة

    The National Conference on “Combating Transnational Organized Crime in Light of Current Challenges: Between Reality and Respect for Human Rights,” under the patronage of the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah.

    11/12/2025

    Within the framework of cooperation between the Internal Security Forces and civil society institutions, and on the occasion of “International Human Rights Day,” a national conference was held on the morning of December 10, 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel – Raouche, under the patronage of the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah, on the topic of “Combating Transnational Organized Crime in Light of Current Challenges: Between Reality and Respect for Human Rights.” It was organized by the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Lebanon and the “Justice Without Borders” organization, in the presence of the Head of the International Liaison Division, Brigadier General Rony Bitar, representing the patron of the conference – the Head of the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Beirut, Major General Raed Abdullah, and with the participation of the Vice President of the Interpol Files Oversight Committee, Colonel Dr. Mohammad Qamra, Brigitte Chalbian, director of the “Justice Without Borders” organization, Major General Ibrahim Basbous, former Director General of the Internal Security Forces, a representative of the Directorate of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in the Lebanese Army, representatives of the Minister of Defense and the General Directorate of General Security, lawyers, judges, representatives of military and security institutions, international and civil society organizations, embassies, and unions. The conference opened with the national anthem, followed by a welcome address from journalist Joseph Ibrahim. Attorney Chalbian’s speech: “Our gathering on International Human Rights Day is a highly significant occasion, reminding us that rights are not preserved by slogans or protected by intentions, but rather through an integrated legal, security, judicial, and institutional system capable of safeguarding human beings, protecting their dignity, and confronting all forms of crime and violations that threaten their security and stability.” She added: “In this context, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, also known as the Palermo Convention (2000), stands out as the primary international legal framework dedicated to combating crimes that transcend national borders. The Convention has established uniform rules for international judicial and security cooperation and obligates States Parties to adopt effective legislative and regulatory measures, most notably criminalizing participation in organized criminal groups, combating money laundering, protecting witnesses and victims, and strengthening mechanisms for international cooperation and border control. The Convention is linked to three binding protocols that specifically address the prevention, suppression, and punishment of trafficking in persons, particularly women and children; combating migrant smuggling; and combating the illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms. Lebanon’s accession to this Convention affirms its international commitment to combating organized crime and its keenness to develop its national capacities and enhance its cooperation with states and international bodies in the areas of combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling, cybercrime, and other transnational criminal activities.” In her address, she emphasized that human trafficking is one of the most dangerous forms of organized crime, given its direct and grave violation of human freedom and individual dignity, particularly for women and children who are most vulnerable to sexual exploitation and forced labor. Combating this crime requires a comprehensive approach that begins with prevention, awareness, and early detection, includes protecting victims and witnesses, and culminates in strict accountability and an end to impunity. We are witnessing a rapid expansion in cybercrimes, which have become a key tool of organized crime. They are used for information manipulation, extortion, child sexual exploitation, recruitment, and even trafficking. Lebanon has adopted its National Cybersecurity Strategy to enhance its prevention, monitoring, and response capabilities. This is a crucial step that must be accompanied by societal awareness, professional capacity building, and the development of policies that ensure a cohesive digital protection system. With the rise of human trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime, the urgent need arises to adopt preventative approaches based on raising awareness, developing protection mechanisms, and establishing a clear and effective legal environment that guarantees access to justice, ensures accountability, and prevents any space for perpetrators to escape punishment. This is a national responsibility shared by the state and its institutions, civil society, and local and international partners, ensuring the protection of citizens and strengthening societal resilience. The integration of state efforts with civil society provides a more cohesive protection network, enhances national capacity for prevention and rapid intervention, and contributes to building a more resilient society capable of addressing various forms of crime and violations. At the core of its mission, the Justice Without Borders organization embodies the support of state and societal institutions by promoting the right to access justice and empowering individuals, particularly women and children, to benefit from an effective protection system. Its work focuses on gender-based violence, human trafficking, sexual offenses, cybercrimes, personal status issues, and cases of unregistered births. This is achieved through contributing to the development of a protective legal environment, early detection of violations, and supporting victims through various stages of litigation. The organization adopts a comprehensive approach based on direct engagement with the most vulnerable groups, providing legal advice, raising awareness of their rights, disseminating legal culture, and building the capacity of civil society organizations to enhance their preparedness for prevention and protection, and promoting a culture of access to justice. Furthermore, it plays an institutional role in developing public policies and strengthening cooperation with ministries, the judiciary, security agencies, and local and international organizations. This ensures an integrated referral system and partnerships that contribute to enhanced protection and ending impunity. It is hoped that this meeting, convened by Adl Bila Hudud (Justice Without Borders) under the auspices of the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces, will serve as a model for the desired integrated vision between official institutions and civil society, and for a path based on capacity building and unified efforts towards a more just and secure society. It also marks the beginning of sustainable cooperation with the International Liaison Division and the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Beirut.

    Within its framework, specialized training and meetings will be conducted for judges, lawyers, and civil society organizations on organized crime, human trafficking, cybercrime, and the promotion of international cooperation. The conference is intended to be an additional step towards building an integrated protection system that enhances national security, safeguards rights, and ensures the establishment of an effective mechanism to protect victims, witnesses, and international partners. It puts an end to impunity and fosters constructive cooperation between the state and civil society.” Brigadier General Bitar’s speech: I am honored that His Excellency the Director General of the Internal Security Forces has asked me to represent him at this important national conference, which sheds light on an issue at the heart of security, policing, judicial, human rights, and humanitarian concerns. Addressing the challenges accompanying the evolution of organized crime, the complexities of the circumstances under which it is committed, and the growing capabilities of criminal organizations necessitates strengthening communication, cooperation, coordination, and integration among the various stakeholders. This aims to mobilize resources, build bridges of trust, and activate awareness and empowerment for a safer society. Our presence here today is evidence of the collective will of the civil, humanitarian, academic, security, military, and judicial sectors, as well as human rights organizations, to support efforts aimed at advancing institutional networking to reduce the consequences and effects of organized crime on our societies. Undoubtedly, balancing effective efforts to combat organized crime and terrorism with respect for human rights is at the heart of the priorities of the Internal Security Forces. No effort is spared in promoting and implementing this culture in word and deed. The organization strives to provide the necessary resources, mobilize energies, and train the required personnel to achieve this, despite limited capabilities and complex security circumstances. It is a pleasure to see the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Beirut, headed by the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General [Name], partner with the Justice Without Borders organization in making this event a success. It is worth noting that the Central Bureau serves as the central and exclusive link between INTERPOL and all law enforcement agencies, institutions, administrations, and the judiciary at the national level. It plays a pivotal role in strengthening international police cooperation with all National Central Bureaus in member states and with the INTERPOL General Secretariat. It works diligently to enhance data exchange, develop avenues for police coordination, and contribute to mitigating the effects of organized crime and its consequences, in accordance with nationally established rules and procedures and those in force within INTERPOL. Discussion Panel: A panel discussion followed, moderated by Ms. Shalbian, in which the Vice-Chairman of the INTERPOL Files Oversight Committee, Colonel Dr. [Name], spoke. Qamra, the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, Judge Mirna Kallas, the Information and Communications Technology, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Advisor at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Dr. Lina Oueidat, and the Professor of International Criminal Law at the Lebanese University, Professor Jinan Khoury Fakhry.

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