Libyan authorities and partners discuss future plans to advance security and rule of law in Libya

December 14, 2021

 

14/Dec/2021 Tripoli (LIBYA). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Libya Mr. Marc-Andre Franche and the Minister of Justice Ms. Halima Abdulrahman at the Policing & Security Joint Programme Board meeting 2021. Photo: UNDP Libya/ Abdullah Alhussein

 

Tripoli, 14/December/2021. Co-chaired by the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Policing & Security Joint Programme implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Mission Support to Libya (UNSMIL) held its 2021 Board meeting today in Tripoli to review key achievements, challenges, lessons learned and future plans.  Partners including the Governments of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and France also attended.

During the meeting, UNDP, UNSMIL, and international partners committed to continuing cooperation with Ministries of Justice and Interior, and pursuing further synergies across the penal chain to develop capacity and provide organizational assistance.

The program has been providing support since 2017 to the two governmental institutions with the objective to improve national capacities to advance safety, security, more effective and public-oriented policing and rule of law services.

The program supports accompanied the ministries in favor of a safer and secure environment, preventing further weakening of institutional capacities, and strengthening the criminal justice system to sustain gains in security and the rule of law. The program helped initiate institutional reforms through the roll out of new standard operating procedure, training and will accompany the development of a code of conduct and measures against impunity and to strengthen accountability.

UNDP also used the opportunity to hand over personal protection equipment to both Ministries and vehicles supporting demining operations to the Ministry of Interior

The program is planning for its second phase. UNDP and UNSMIL in consultation with all stakeholders will develop a new strategy of engagement for 2022 and beyond.  

On her part, the Minister of Justice, Ms. Halima Ibrahim Abdel Rahman said: ““The international community is taking a great role in providing technical assistance to support the democratic transition process. One of its priorities is to strengthen Libyan institutions. The Ministries of Justice and Interior are committed to achieve security, justice, and respect of human rights. We are proud of this partnership and the support from the international community”

UNDP Resident Representative in Libya Mr. Marc-Andre Franche declared:” Transparent and effective rule of law institutions which respect and protect human rights is a fundamental pillar of Libya transition and prosperity. I commend the progress achieved by both Ministries in improving the physical infrastructure for improved service as well as improved procedures and capacities. But much more remains to be done, particularly beyond Tripoli. UNDP and UNSMIL are committed to continue the accompaniment with our partners from the international community”.

UNDP, UNSMIL and international partners work closely with Libyan authorities to improve service delivery for communities and advance security and the rule of law. The support includes raising capacities of the judiciary, the police, the prosecutors and prisons management.