On 14-15 June 2013, No Peace Without Justice, in partnership with the Tripoli Bar Association, held a two-day capacity-building training on trial monitoring for 18 Libyan lawyers in the town of Sebrata, which culminated in the establishment of the Libyan Trial Monitoring Network.
The objective of the workshop, that saw the participation of international trial monitoring experts, was to build the capacity of participants to be able to effectively set up a Libyan network to monitor trials within Libya. Trial monitoring is an important part of justice sector reform promoted by NPWJ within its Transitional Justice Program, aimed at strengthening national institutions, human rights and the rule of law.
The training provided an opportunity for participants to explore a variety of different trial monitoring interventions and to consider what system would be most suitable for Libya, based on main stakeholders’ expectations, in-country conditions as well as organisational capacities and the issue of access. In addition to the crucial definition of its core functions and objectives, the trainers emphasized that in order for trial monitoring to successfully encourage judicial reform and contribute to promoting the rule of law in Libya, the fundamental principles of non-intervention, impartiality and professionalism must be followed.
At the end of the workshop, the participants decided to establish a Libyan Trial Monitoring Network. They selected a 5-member Steering Committee and nominated two lawyers to draft a code of conduct for the network, which they agreed will be independent and impartial. NPWJ committed to support this network in any way it can.
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 No Peace Without Justice’s ongoing transitional justice program in Libya
- Watch the Video: “Transitional Justice Perspectives in Libya: April 2012“, Zughaid Production in association with No Peace Without Justice (Arabic)
- 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.
