Source: United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) |

Supporting the reform of criminal justice in Libya to advance stabilization and rule of law

The workshop took place on 24-26 April, in Tunis and is a part of UNODC ongoing project to support the reform of criminal justice in Libya

Participants to the workshop included representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the High Judicial Institute, the Supreme Court, the Attorney General office, NGOs and Academia

TRIPOLI, Libya, April 28, 2017/APO/ --

The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – in partnership with the Ministry of Justice of Libya, and the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) – organized a national workshop addressing possible legislative amendment proposals to the Libyan Penal Code based on a legislative review process. The workshop took place on 24-26 April, in Tunis and is a part of UNODC ongoing project to support the reform of criminal justice in Libya.

Thanks to a partnership between Libya and UNODC, the project aims at strengthening the cooperation with relevant national institutions and with civil society to develop the criminal justice system in accordance with Libya's obligations under relevant international conventions and in line with Libya's national priorities in the context of the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Participants to the workshop included representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the High Judicial Institute, the Supreme Court, the Attorney General office, NGOs and Academia.

“UNODC is committed to continue with its partnership and support to Libya in criminal justice reform, anti corruption, combating organized crime and terrorism, addressing illegal migration and trafficking in persons, among other issues” said Mr. Ali EL Bereir, Programme Coordinator and Head of UNODC Sub-regional Office for the Maghreb Countries in Libya. Mr. El Bereir, congratulated the participants on the outcome of the workshop and emphasized the need to implement its recommendations, including the formation of joint national-UNODC technical drafting team to incorporate the proposed amendments and solicit the views of a wider range of stakeholders.

Mr. Nori Abdalaattee, Head of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Justice, expressed Libya's gratitude for the support provided by UNODC specifically and the UN at large, referring to the historical role of the UN in Libya. Mr. Abdalaatee expressed the commitment of the Ministry to the success of the partnership with UNODC within the framework of Libya's priorities and sovereignty. Furthermore, he committed to expedite the recommendations of the workshop to streamline the next phase of the process.

“Criminal justice reform is a critical issue and despite all the challenges Libya is facing in this historical juncture, I am pleased to see such a key topic is being addressed” said Ms. Maria Do Valle Ribeiro, Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary General (DSRSG) to Libya and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. While acknowledging the presence of high level officials from relevant Libyan institutions and women participation, the DSRSG expressed hope that future forums of this kind could take place in Libya in the nearest future. Ms. Ribeiro emphasized the willingness of the whole UN system to continue to support Libya. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).