Tripoli: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) affirmed its support for efforts aimed at reforming the prison system, strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and consolidating the principles of the rule of law.
According to Libyan News Agency, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Libya, Ulrika Richardson, emphasized the urgency of advancing lasting reform of Libya's detention system during her remarks at the opening of the first Benghazi International Conference on Justice and Reform. She highlighted the ongoing issues of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, deaths in custody, and the denial of due process.
Richardson underscored the necessity of preserving a unified and independent judiciary, implementing judicial decisions free from external influences, and strengthening accountability to fight impunity. She noted that these measures align with Libyan priorities identified through Structured Dialogue, especially concerning national reconciliation and human rights.
In her discussions with Counselor Ibrahim Bushnaf, Head of the National Committee for Monitoring the Conditions of Prisons and Detainees, Richardson addressed the conference's objectives and the Committee's efforts to advance detention reform. This includes reducing the prison population, enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and improving prison infrastructure.
The meeting underscored the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of all individuals deprived of liberty, including women, children, migrants, and other vulnerable groups. Richardson reiterated the United Nations' readiness to collaborate with relevant institutions and partners across Libya to achieve these objectives.