The path of national reconciliation in the structured dialogue calls for guarantees to protect the unity and independence of the judiciary.

Tripoli, January 29, 2026 (LANA) – Participants in the National Reconciliation and Human Rights track of the structured dialogue organized by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed their deep concern regarding the repercussions of the ongoing conflict on the unity and independence of the judicial system. This concern stems from the recent rulings issued by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court in Tripoli and those issued earlier this month by the Constitutional Court (Supreme Court) in Benghazi, according to UNSMIL.

This came at the conclusion of the five-day meetings of this track, during which participants focused their deliberations on several key issues, most notably the independence of the judiciary, human rights, public freedoms, civic space, and arbitrary detention. UNSMIL stated that all these elements directly impact the credibility of any future electoral process.

The dialogue participants warned that these developments undermine the rule of law, public trust, and the entire political process.

They agreed that a unified and independent judiciary is a fundamental prerequisite, among other things, for holding credible elections and for the overall functioning of the state based on the rule of law.

The participants stressed the need to safeguard the judiciary from political interference and polarization, and called on all parties to prioritize dialogue over escalation. They emphasized that protecting the independence and unity of the judiciary is not only a shared national responsibility, but also a prerequisite for preserving the unity of the state, ensuring justice and stability, and creating a genuine environment for national reconciliation based on human rights.

According to the UN mission, the participants discussed several issues over the past five days, including the fragmentation of state institutions and the unchecked influence of armed groups as key factors contributing to human rights violations.

The mission stated that among the main challenges highlighted were arbitrary arrest and detention; the protection of civil society and journalists; and the right of Libyans to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

The participants also concluded that the severe shortage of civilian-controlled law enforcement agencies represents a major obstacle, noting that legislative loopholes and the failure of security agencies to implement judicial decisions have contributed to a climate of impunity.

The participants identified initial recommendations aimed at ensuring a suitable and supportive environment for transparent elections. They agreed on a set of preliminary recommendations they described as "essential" for Libya's stability.

These recommendations included protecting civic space. Participants recommended guaranteeing freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and freedom of association and assembly. They emphasized that journalists, civil society workers, and human rights defenders should be able to operate freely in an open and safe civic space, including throughout the electoral process, without intimidation, harassment, or reprisals.

The participants also recommended reviewing several key national laws, including repealing discriminatory provisions and restrictions on civil society, as well as legislation that allows for indefinite pretrial or administrative detention. This review should ensure that all laws are in line with constitutional guarantees and Libya's international obligations.

Participants in this track called for an end to arbitrary detention through the immediate closure of all unofficial detention facilities, particularly those run by armed groups, and the transfer of all detainees to official facilities under the exclusive authority of the Ministry of Justice. They also called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained, including political activists.

The participants urged the establishment of effective accountability mechanisms to end impunity, restore public trust, and ensure the transparent functioning of state institutions, in accordance with national law and Libya’s international human rights obligations.

They expressed deep skepticism about the feasibility of implementing their recommendations under the current circumstances, emphasizing that effective implementation ultimately requires a unified government and a credible monitoring and follow-up mechanism.

The National Reconciliation and Human Rights track identified key areas focusing on human rights violations, national reconciliation and transitional justice, and the unity and independence of the judiciary. The Office pledged to lead communication and coordination efforts with the Governance, Security, and Economy tracks to address shared issues and ensure the comprehensive integration of human rights into the overall process.

This track includes diverse Libyan stakeholders, from legal experts and civil society actors to women's rights advocates, youth, elders, and representatives of political parties, to address critical human rights challenges.

The UN mission indicated that this track is scheduled to resume its meetings from February 8 to 12.

...(LANA)...