Journal Medical Libanais (JML) is committed to ensuring that all research involving human participants and animals is conducted in accordance with the highest ethical standards. The journal follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) to promote responsible, ethical, and transparent research practices.

Research Involving Human Participants

Manuscripts reporting research involving human participants must demonstrate that the study was conducted in accordance with internationally accepted ethical principles, including the Declaration of Helsinki and applicable national and institutional regulations.

Authors must confirm that:

• The study received prior approval from an appropriately constituted Institutional Review Board (IRB), Ethics Committee, or equivalent ethics review body before the commencement of the research.
• The name of the approving ethics committee, approval/reference number, and date of approval are clearly stated in the manuscript.
• Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before their inclusion in the study.
• For participants who are minors or legally incapable of providing consent, written informed consent was obtained from a parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative in accordance with applicable laws and ethical requirements.
• Participants' privacy, dignity, confidentiality, and personal rights were fully protected throughout the research and publication process.

Manuscripts lacking appropriate ethical approval or informed consent may be rejected without peer review.

Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

Authors must safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all patients and research participants. Identifiable personal information, including names, initials, photographs, hospital numbers, or any other identifying details, must not be published unless publication is scientifically essential and explicit written consent for publication has been obtained from the individual or their legal representative.

If images or clinical information could potentially identify a participant, authors must confirm that written consent for publication has been obtained.

Research Involving Animals

Studies involving animals must comply with internationally recognized principles for the ethical care and use of laboratory animals and all applicable institutional, national, and international regulations.

Authors must state that:

• The study received approval from the appropriate Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or equivalent ethics committee.
• Animal experiments were conducted in accordance with recognized animal welfare guidelines.
• Every reasonable effort was made to minimize pain, suffering, distress, and the number of animals used.
• Appropriate anesthesia, analgesia, and humane endpoints were applied whenever necessary.

Editors may request additional documentation regarding ethical approval or animal welfare compliance at any stage of the editorial process.

Ethical Oversight

The Editorial Office reserves the right to request copies of ethics approval letters, informed consent documentation, or additional supporting information whenever ethical concerns arise. Failure to provide satisfactory documentation may result in rejection of the manuscript or withdrawal of a published article if ethical non-compliance is discovered after publication.

Non-Compliance with Ethical Standards

If there is evidence or suspicion that research involving humans or animals was conducted without appropriate ethical approval, informed consent, or adherence to internationally accepted ethical principles, the journal will investigate the matter in accordance with COPE guidance. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, appropriate actions may include rejection of the manuscript, publication of a correction or expression of concern, retraction of the article, and notification of the authors' institution or relevant regulatory authorities where appropriate.

Journal Medical Libanais is committed to protecting the rights, safety, dignity, and welfare of human participants and animals while ensuring that all published research meets the highest standards of ethical integrity, scientific responsibility, and international best practices.