Tripoli, 26-27 February 2014
On 26-27 February 2014, NPWJ held a Trial Monitoring workshop focused on addressing the specific challenges the TM group has faced so far in the process of establishing its presence in Libya and gaining entry to courts. The workshop is part of NPWJ’s Transitional Justice Program in Libya, which includes a series of activities and workshops to strengthen the capacity of Libyan national institutions and civil society actors on accountability, human rights and the rule of law.
During the workshop, local lawyers discussed practical aspects of the trial monitoring they carried out in the cities of Tripoli and Misurata, assisted by international trial monitoring expert Pipina Katsaris. Monitors shared their experiences and gave feedback about technical challenges they encountered while monitoring trials in Libya, including during the proceedings and during other types of information gathering such as by interviews and from newspapers, and substantive challenges identified in the proceedings themselves. Participants discussed and analysed a number of topics, including international human rights standards, internal reporting in questionnaire and organisation of findings, including the internal TM database.
On the second day of the workshop, the discussion focused on the methodologies needed for the preparation of a final TM report (final reporting). This was followed by a vibrant and productive discussion with representatives from the Bar association, who also took part in the second day of the event and shared their Trial Monitoring experiences. This helped to create synergies for TM programs in the future.
NPWJ in Libya
NPWJ has been working on the Libyan transition since early 2011, in the framework of its project to support Libya’s democratic transition through justice and accountability. As the country embarks on legislative reforms, the Libyan authorities can break with the legacy of impunity and abuses that typified Gaddafi’s rule with a new respect for the rule of law and a commitment to restoring justice and dignity to victims. Doing so requires not only the investigation and prosecution of the crimes and violence perpetrated during the revolution, but also efforts to confront a history of oppression and human rights abuses that dates back decades under the rule of the former regime.
For further information on the activities of NPWJ in Libya please contact Stefano Moschini, Libya Program Coordinator, at smoschini@npwj.org or +218917450375.
