UNSMIL Reaffirms Support for Prison Reform and Judicial Independence in Libya.

Benghazi, 29 July 2026 (Lana) The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) affirmed its support for efforts aimed at reforming the prison system, strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and consolidating the principles of the rule of law.

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Libya, Ulrika Richardson, in her remark at the opening of the first Benghazi International Conference on Justice and Reform. Stressed the urgency to advance lasting reform of Libya’s detention system amid continued reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, deaths in custody, and the denial of due process.

She underscored the need to preserve a unified and independent judiciary, implement judicial decisions free from any external influences or pressures, and strengthen accountability and fight impunity, highlighting that these steps align with the priorities identified by Libyans through Structured Dialogue, particularly regarding national reconciliation and human rights.

She also met with Counselor Ibrahim Bushnaf, Head of the National Committee for Monitoring the Conditions of Prisons and Detainees to discuss the conference’s objectives, the Committee’s work, and efforts to advance detention reform, including reducing the prison population, enhancing the effectiveness of criminal justice system, and improving prison infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of all persons deprived of their liberty—including women, children, and migrants, as well as other groups with specific protection needs—and the role of the relevant authorities and security institutions in advancing reforms consistent with the rule of law.

Richardson expressed the readiness to strengthen the cooperation of the United Nations towards these objectives in coordination with relevant institutions and partners across Libya.

=Lana=