Libya: Supporting Democratic Transition through Justice and Accountability

Background
Following the Libyan revolution that began in February 2011, there is a clear desire and expectation within Libya for justice and accountability to form part of the backbone of Libya’s transition from dictatorship to democracy. In particular, Libya has to address past violations during the conflict in 2011 (and subsequent events) and during the 42 years of the Gaddafi regime, to support an effective transition from authoritarianism to democracy and the rule of law. To reach these goals, it is important for the nascent Libyan civil society have the capacity and the knowledge necessary to engage effectively with political actors and with grassroots constituencies in the conceptual development and implementation of transitional justice solutions.
 
NPWJ’s work in Libya
NPWJ has been working on the Libyan transition since early 2011 and has been on-the-ground since early October. With a permanent presence in Tripoli since March 2012, NPWJ has been working to create a network of Libyan actors to engage different sectors of Libyan society on transitional justice. Its work in Libya combines both the provision of transitional justice information (both in cooperation with the institutions and in partnerships with civil society), including on outreach and documentation, with the research and analysis of public expectations and perceptions. On the civil society side, NPWJ aims to help build and reinforce capacity of Libyan actors to play their role in incorporating accountability, human rights and the rule of law in the democracy transition and post-conflict reconstruction of their country. To that end, NPWJ is working together with Libyan civil society and human rights activists to build their knowledge and capacity in addressing transitional justice and to work on accountability processes and to assist the Libyan authorities with their transitional justice work, including the investigation and prosecution of crimes under international law and massive human rights violations. NPWJ work is also designed to provide a tool through which areas of the country or specific types of violations that are under-represented can be identified and addressed, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, young people and children.
 
Specific activities 2011-2015:
NPWJ has engaged civil society from across the country, partnering with a wide range of organisations, including both more established and emerging ones, who have political vision but still need to strengthen their capacity on transitional justice and on the role they can play.NPWJ has organised a number of successful outreach campaigns on transitional justice across Libya, including a very successful Youth Day, organised in collaboration with the Libya Youth Union. NPWJ has also facilitated the establishment and ongoing work of an informal Steering Committee, comprised of a diverse range of Libyan civil society, including NGOs, academics, lawyers and media, public authorities and opinion-leaders.
On the institutional side, NPWJ has been working with the Ministry of Justice, and its Higher Judicial Training Institute, in providing training and expertise to the judges and prosecutors who have been charged with the enormous task of dealing with those suspected to have committed or directed atrocities during the conflict, and during the previous regime.  One hundred and thirty-seven judges and prosecutors have so far received training about the basic components of both international and Libyan law as it relates to the atrocities committed, discussed strategies for collecting and analysing the large quantities of information needed to successfully prosecute such complex crimes and covered a number of important practical issues. NPWJ has also organised six colloquiums with civil society and the legal profession about Libya's transitional justice process and judicial reform.
NPWJ has also established a trial monitoring program, which is being run in collaboration with the Tripoli Bar Association and aims to promote transparency and accountability within the Libyan judiciary. NPWJ facilitated training in The Hague and a study visit to Tunisia for three senior lawyers who then returned to Libya to share their experience in trial monitoring principles with junior lawyers. The conclusion of this training was the establishment of the Libyan Trial Monitoring Network, which aims to engage lawyers, civil society and the media in monitoring Libya's trials concerning the conflict and previous human rights violations in a professional and constructive manner.
 
Funds have been generously provided by the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government of Netherlands and UNDP.
 
 
List of publications:

• Handbook on "Supporting Trial Monitoring in Libya" (also available in Arabic), November 2013
• Brochure on Libya and Transitional Justice (Arabic), January 2013"
• Transitional justice, a Libyan streets view (Video), No Peace Without Justice in association with Zughaid Production, November 2014

 
List of specific activities:  

• Open letter to Members of the UN HRC on the UNSMIL-led peace talks in Libya, 17 April 2015
• UPR Pre-session on Libya, Geneva, Centre International de Conférences, 10 April 2015
• Human Rights Youth Training Program for Libya, Geneva, United Nations, 23-27 March 2015
• Training course on “Documentation of human rights violations and crimes under international law”, Hammamet, Tunisia, 4-6 March 2015
• Seminar on "Challenges and priorities of Transitional Justice policies in the Libyan and Tunisian cases", Tunis, 18 February 2015
• Training on "Promoting the ICC’s contribution to democratic and human rights reform in Libya", Hammamet, Tunsia, 27-29 January 2015
• Side event on “Accountability for Human Rights Violations in Libya”, 13th ASP to the ICC, New York, 12 December 2014
• Seminar on “Transitional Justice processes in Libya and Tunisia: commonalities and differences”, Tunis, 19-20 November 2014
• Submission of recommendations for consideration at the 22nd Session of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group, Geneva, 8 October 2014
• Side event on “Libya: Transitional justice and accountability as necessary measures to halt the humanitarian and political crisis”, 27th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, 17 September 2014
• Parallel event on “Challenges and opportunities of democratic transition in Libya”, 26th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, 18 June 2014
• Meeting on Transitional Justice Law and its mechanisms, Tripoli, Libya, 29 April 2014
• Workshop on “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Victims’ Rehabilitation”, Tripoli, Libya, 29 March 2014
• Colloquium on women’s participation in democratic processes in Libya, Tripoli, Libya, 23 March 2014
• Trial Monitoring workshop, Tripoli, Libya, 26-27 February 2014
• Third Youth Day on Transitional Justice, Houn, Libya, 22-23 February 2014
• Colloquiums on Transitional Justice Mechasnisms, Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and the Constitutional Process in Libya, University of Tripoli, Libya, 2-9 February 2014
• Colloquium on the basic principles of Transitional Justice, University of Tripoli, Libya, 29 January 2014
• Colloquium on the situation of the International Displaced People (IDP) in Libya, Tripoli, Libya, 29 January 2014
• Colloquium on the role of tribes in conflict-solving, Tripoli, Libya, 21 January 2014
• Colloquium on the Libyan Tansitional Justice law, Tripoli, Libya, 16 January 2014
• Training workshop for the Libyan Human Rights Council, Tripoli, Libya, 6-8 January 2014
• Workshop on Transitional Justice and field visit in Misurata, Libya, 16-18 December 2013
• Youth Day on Transitional Justice, Tobruk, Libya, 14-15 December 2013
• Release of Handbook to support Trial Monitoring in Libya, Tripoli, Libya, 21 November 2013
• Training and Colloquium on sexual violence, juvenile justice and evidence collection procedures, Tripoli, Libya, 20-22 October, 2013
• Workshops on Justice Sector Reform, Trial Monitoring and Transisional Justice, Tripoli, Libya, 5-8 October 2013
• Civil society capacity-building training on transitional justice and accountability processes, Tripoli, Libya, 1 October 2013
• Workshops on Transitional Justice Outreach, Sebha, Libya, 5-7 September 2013
• Handbook to support Trial Monitoring in Libya, Tripoli, Libya, 22 July 2013
• Workshop on Transitional Justice and Human Rights, Yefren, Libya, 27 June 2013
• High-level Consultations on Transitional and International Justice in the Arab region, Tunis, Tunisia, 19 June 2013
• Capacity-building training on trial monitoring, Sebrata, Libya, 14-15 June 2013
• Media Training on “The International Criminal Court and Transitional justice in Libya and Tunisia”, Tunis, 12 June 2013
• Capacity-Building Training on Transitional Justice and Human Rights for Libyan CSOs, Tripoli, Libya, 28 May 2013
• Meeting on “Transitional justice to achieve reconciliation and peace in Sirte”, Libya, 16 May 2013
• Training on “Forensic investigations in the cases of political violence”, Tripoli, 17-21 March 2013
• Training on “Transitional Justice: The Voice of Libya Youth”, Tripoli, 16-17 March 2013
• Trial monitoring capacity building for Libyan lawyers, Brussels and The Hague, 4-7 March 2013
• Trial monitoring exchanges between Tunisian and Libyan legal professionnals, Tunis, 1-3 March 2013
• Training on Transitional Justice, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Tripoli, Libya, 24-28 February 2013
• Colloquium on” Criminal Justice Procedures and Transitional Justice”, Tripoli, 28 January 2013
• Conference on “Youth and Their Priorities”, Zawia, Libya, 26-27 January 2012
• Training for Judges and Prosecutors, Benghazi, 11-13 December 2012
• Regional Civil Society Strategy Meeting on Transitional Justice, Tripoli, Libya, 16-17 November 2012
• Informal Steering Committee on Transitional Justice, Tripoli, 8 November 2012
• Law Student’s Colloquium Series on Transitional Justice, Tripoli, 17 October 2012
• Civil Society meeting on Transitional Justice, Tripoli, 3 october 2012
• International Criminal Law Colloquium Series, Tripoli, 29 September 2012
• Regional Strategic Meeting on transitional justice, Tripoli 4 September 2012
• First training of Libyan Prosecutors on transitional justice issues, Tripoli, Libya, 26-28 May 2012
• National event to support Libya’s democratic transition through justice and accountability, Tripoli, Libya, 24-25 April 2012

 
List of press releases:

• 28 Jul 2015 Libya’s missed opportunity: flawed penalties follow flawed trials Read More
• 17 Apr 2015 Libya: the current UNSMIL-led negotiations should focus on accountability and the fight against impunity Read More
• 10 Apr 2015 Libya: NPWJ presents recommendations on human rights, rule of law and transitional justice to the members of the UN Human Rights Council Read More
• 28 Mar 2015 WFUNA, Creative Learning and NPWJ organise first session of the Human Rights Youth Training Program for Libya Read More
• 08 Mar 2015 Libya: No Peace Without Justice mourns with great sadness the killing of Intissar Al HassariRead More
• 04 Mar 2015 Libya: NPWJ organises a training course on “Documentation of human rights violations and crimes under international law” Read More
• 18 Feb 2015 NPWJ organises a seminar on "Challenges and priorities of Transitional Justice policies in the Libyan and Tunisian cases"
• 27 Jan 2015 NPWJ and KADEM organise a training on "Promoting the ICC’s contribution to democratic and human rights reform in Libya" Read More
• 12 Dec 2014 13th ASP to the ICC: NPWJ convenes a side event on “Accountability for Human Rights Violations in Libya” Read More
• 19 Nov 2014 Libya: NPWJ convenes a seminar on commonalities and differences of the Transitional Justice processes in Libya and Tunisia Read More
• 24 Oct 2014 Libya's crossroad, where is Europe going? Read More
• 08 Oct 2014 Libya: NPWJ and its Libyan partners submit recommendations for consideration at the 22nd Session of the UPR Working Group Read More
• 17 Sep 2014 UN / Geneva: NPWJ and NRPTT convene side event on Transitional justice and accountability in Libya Read More
• 12 Aug 2014 Libya: transitional Justice and accountability should remain a priority Read More
• 24 July 2014 Libya: NPWJ and NRPTT welcome ICC ruling on the Al-Senussi case, which heralds new potential for justice and strengthening human rights protection Read More
• 10 July 2014 Libya: NPWJ supports accountability and rule of law through the Libyan Trial Monitoring Network Read More
• 18 June 2014 UN / Geneva: NPWJ and NRPTT convene parallel event on “Challenges and opportunities of democratic transition in Libya” Read More
• 21 May 2014 ICC: Ruling on Gaddafi case will not support building justice in Libya Read More
• 30 Apr 2014 Libya: NPWJ organises a meeting on the Transitional Justice Law and its mechanismsRead More
• 02 Apr 2014 Libya: NPWJ organises a workshop on Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Victims’ Rehabilitation Read More
• 23 Mar 2014 Libya: NPWJ convenes a colloquium on Women’s Participation in Democratic ProcessesRead More
• 26 Feb 2014 NPWJ workshop supports Trial Monitoring in Libya Read More
• 23 Feb 2014 Libya: NPWJ supports Libyan Youth Union in organising third Youth Day on Transitional Justice Read More
• 09 Feb 2014 Libya: NPWJ promotes Transitional Justice awareness at Tripoli University Read More
• 29 Jan 2014 Libya: NPWJ extends a series of colloquiums at Tripoli University Read More

• 21 Jan 2014 Libya NPWJ convenes a colloquium on the role of tribes in conflict-solving Read More
• 17 Jan 2014 Libya NPWJ raises awareness and promotes participation for the Transitional Justice law Read More
• 09 Jan 2014 Libya NPWJ organises capacity-building training for Libyan Human Rights Council Read More
• 18 Dec 2013 Libya NPWJ supports investigations on massive Human Rights abuses in Misurata Read More
• 15 Dec 2013 NPWJ supports Libyan Youth Union in organising second Youth Day on Transitional Justice Read More
• 26 Nov 2013 12th ASP to the ICC: NPWJ convened a side event on “Complementarity in Libya” Read More
• 21 Nov 2013 NPWJ releases Handbook to support Trial Monitoring in Libya Read More
• 23 Oct 2013 Libya: NPWJ supports justice sector reform on sexual violence and juvenile justice Read More
• 11 Oct 2013  Libya: NPWJ and NRPTT welcome ICC ruling on the Al-Senussi case, which heralds new potential for justice in the country Read More
• 08 Oct 2013 Libya: NPWJ supports justice sector reform in collaboration with the Tripoli Bar Association and the High Judicial Institute Read More
• 01 Oct 2013: Libya: NPWJ provides civil society capacity-building training on transitional justice and accountability processes Read More
• 09 Sep 2013 Libya: NPWJ supports Transitional Justice Outreach Initiative in Sebha Read More
• 06 Aug 2013 Libya/ICC: “Saif Al Islam custody decision: ICC should do better” Read More
• 22 Jul 2013 NPWJ releases Handbook to support Trial Monitoring in Libya Read More
• 27 June 2013 Libya: NPWJ raises awareness about Transitional Justice and Human Rights in Yefren Read More
• 15 June 2013 Libya: NPWJ fosters establishment of Libyan Trial Monitoring Network Read More
• 10 June 2013 NPWJ and KADEM organise Media Training on “The International Criminal Court and Transitional justice in Libya and Tunisia” Read More
• 28 May 2013 Libya: NPWJ provides Capacity-Building Training on Transitional Justice and Human Rights Read More
• 17 May 2013 Libya: NPWJ Raises Awareness about Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in Sirte Read More
• 21 Mar 2013 Libya: NPWJ and the High Judicial Institute organise a training on “Forensic investigations in the cases of political violence” Read More
• 17 Mar 2013 Libya’s Youth Make Their Voices Heard on Transitional Justice Read More
• 07 Mar 2013 NPWJ organises a trial monitoring capacity building for Libyan lawyers Read More
• 01 Mar 2013 Tunisia: the Academy on Transitional Justice fosters the exchange of experiences between Libyans and Tunisians Read More
• 28 Feb 2013 Libya: NPWJ and Ministry of Justice work together to foster a culture of accountability Read More
• 11 Feb 2013 Libya: NPWJ supports joint statement by local NGOs calling for a peaceful transition in the anniversary of the revolution Read More
• 29 Jan 2013 Libya: NPWJ fosters dialogue on accountability and criminal justice challenges faced by the legal community Read More
• 27 Jan 2013 Libya: NPWJ calls for youth participation in Transitional Justice at Youth Union Conference in Tripoli Read More
• 14 Dec 2012 No Peace Without Justice organises training in Benghazi in collaboration with the Libyan ministry of justice and the Libyan judges organisation Read More
• 8 Nov 2012 Libya: Informal Steering Committee members meets in Tripoli to discuss outreach strategy on Transitional justice Read More
• 17 Oct 2012 NPWJ convenes Law Student’s Colloquium Series on Transitional Justice in Tripoli Read More
• 03 Oct 2012 Tripoli and Misurata civil society organizations meet to discuss Transitional Justice action plan Read More
• 29 Sep 2012 NPWJ International Criminal Law Colloquium Series starts in Tripoli Read More
• 17 Aug 2012 Tripoli marks a Year since Liberation but Challenges remain Read More
• 25 Jul 2012 After the Elections, What Next for Transitional Justice in Libya? Read More
• 03 Jul 2012 ICC/Libya – NPWJ welcomes release of detained ICC Staff Read More
• 2 Jun 2012 ICC/Libya – Libya Must Immediately Release Detained ICC Staff Read More
• 02 Jun 2012 NPWJ concludes first training of Libyan Prosecutors on transitional justice issues Read More
• 14 May 2012 Libya: supporting the democratic transition through justice and accountability Read More
• 25 Apr 2012 NPWJ promotes national event in Tripoli to support Libya’s democratic transition through justice and accountability Read More
• 17 Mar 2012 NPWJ and NRPTT welcome arrest of Abdullah Senussi, which heralds new potential for justice in Libya Read More
• 07 Jan 2012 Libya should stand up for justice, not grant impunity to President al-Bashir Read More
• 21 Nov 2011 Capture of Abdullah Senussi heralds new potential for justice Read More
• 19 Nov 2011 Libya / Capture of Saif al-Islam: NPWJ calls for fair trial Read More
• 20 Oct 2011 Death of Gaddafi denies justice to victims Read More
• 16 May 2011 NPWJ welcomes Libya arrest warrants’ request: International community must extend full cooperation to the ICC Read More
• 05 May 2011 Second Contact Group meeting on Libya: NPWJ and the NRPTT call for a full support to the ICC Read More
• 03 Mar 2011 NPWJ at Press Conference on Libya and the ICC organised by the CICC Read More
• 7 Feb 2011 NPWJ and the NRPTT welcome Security Council Decision on Libya Read More
• 22 Feb 2011 Security Council Must Act to end Bloodshed in Libya Read More
• 10 Jun 2009 Corte Penale Internazionale: sconfitta l’offensiva diplomatica voluta da Ghedafi e Al-Bashir contro la Corte Read More
• 10 Jun 2009 Gaddafi in Italy: no reward for human rights violations Read More

 
For further information, please contact: Alison Smith, Director of International Criminal Justice Progam (on asmith@npwj.org).