In the framework of its Transitional Justice Program in Libya, No Peace Without Justice (NPWJ) supported and contributed to 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, which were held on 5-8 October 2013.
On 5 October 2013, NPWJ, in partnership with the Tripoli Bar Association, held a workshop aimed at building the capacity of members of the newly established Libya Trial Monitoring Network to tackle technical challenges related to monitoring trials in Libya. New and existing members participated in the workshop which was led by international trial monitoring expert Ms Pipina Katsaris with input from local experts. The training focused on addressing the specific challenges the network has faced so far in the process of establishing its presence in Libya and gaining entry to courts. NPWJ also distributed a practical handbook on trial monitoring written specifically for use by the network.
The trial monitoring network was established in June 2013 by seventeen Libyan lawyers following meetings, field trips and a two-day training session on the principles of trial monitoring which took place with NPWJ support earlier this year. Trial monitoring is an expression of the right to a fair trial and is an important tool in assisting judicial reform.
On 6-8 October 2013, NPWJ held a three-day training for judges and prosecutors from Tripoli, Misrata, Zawia and Khoms on war crimes, International Humanitarian Law, chain of command and human rights violations, discussing Libya’s obligations and approaches to these issues. The training was organised in close collaboration with the High Judicial Institute (HJI) and was delivered by Professor Ray Murphy, a leading expert in the field of international crimes, IHL and chain of command. The objective of the training was to build capacity, knowledge and expertise within Libya’s own judicial and investigative institutions on international standards of law and how these can be practically applied to Libya. Judicial reform is fundamental to achieving accountability for crimes committed and building the foundations for national reconciliation.
On 7 October 2013, a colloquium on transitional justice mechanisms and accountability in Libya has also been organised with the aim of creating a platform where knowledge, expertise and information can be exchanged and built upon by multiple stakeholders. The colloquium involved a wide range of participants including local civil society organisations, legal students and professionals, media representatives, international organisations and foreign embassies.
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.
- Visit the special page on NPWJ Transitional Justice Program in Libya
- Download the Handbook “Supporting Trial Monitoring in Libya” (in pdf version)
- Brochure on Transitional Justice and Libya (Arabic)
For further information on the activities of NPWJ in Libya please contact Stefano Moschini, Libya Program Coordinator, at smoschini@npwj.org or +218917450375, or Gianluca Eramo, MENA Program Coordinator, on geramo@npwj.org or +32-2-548-3912.
