A/HRC/25/42
workshops in April and September 2013 on the reform of the military justice system, with a
view to harmonizing governing principles with international human rights and rule of law
standards and identifying capacity-building needs.
33.
In addition, it has participated in a number of seminars organized by the Libyan Bar
Association, the Libyan Judges Association and the Libyan Lawyers Association through
delivering presentations and distributing awareness-raising booklets on human rights issues.
The seminars discussed international best practices on, and comparative experiences of,
enhancing access to justice for citizens.
34.
In advance of the national elections in 2012, the Division organized four workshops
in April and May 2012 involving over 100 judges assigned to settle election disputes. Over
40 such disputes were adjudicated in a manner generally considered to be in line with
international standards.
3.
The Judicial Police
35.
Operating under the authority of the Ministry of Justice, the Judicial Police have
broad responsibilities, including managing prisons, enforcing court decisions, securing
courts and apprehending fugitives. The Government is in the process of integrating 10,000
members of the armed brigades into the ranks of the Judicial Police but significant
obstacles remain, including the lack of a robust vetting process and an ongoing need to
streamline the decision-making process within the department.
36.
Recurrent cases of prison riots and escapes have underlined existing capacity gaps
and a shortage of equipment. Break-outs took place from Sabha prison in March, April,
June and November 2013, resulting in the escape of approximately 200 prisoners. In July
2013, armed men attacked al-Kweifiya prison in Benghazi. According to the Ministry of
Justice, 1,169 prisoners escaped, including approximately 500 prisoners charged with
murder and other serious crimes. However, the authorities succeeded in capturing a number
of the escapees.
37.
The leadership of the Judicial Police is keen to establish a professional corrections
service with specialized officers, including in the areas of registry and data management,
physical and mental health care and vocational training. To achieve this, a plan has been
formulated to provide training to all officers upon recruitment and throughout their careers,
through an independent Libyan training institute based in Tripoli and Gernadah, al-Baida.
38.
The Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Division has provided
advice and training to the Judicial Police on its structure, management and operational
standards and meets regularly with its senior management to follow up on continuing
technical support. Since October 2012, the Division has been working closely with the
planning department of the Judicial Police on the preparation of a comprehensive prison
reform strategy. In December 2012, it organized a high-level seminar which brought
together the Ministries of Justice, Interior and Health, as well as the Judicial Police and the
Prosecutor General, to discuss interministerial support for prison reform. In December 2013
in Tripoli, the Division, jointly with the Judicial Police, organized a meeting of all prison
directors in Libya, providing them with an opportunity to share information and discuss
with each other ways to overcome existing challenges. The meeting adopted
recommendations aimed at strengthening the Judicial Police and harmonizing management
approaches in Libyan prisons.
39.
In June 2013, the Division submitted a proposal for the organizational restructuring
of the Judicial Police after close consultation with relevant officials. During these
consultations, the Division conducted assessments and capacity-building visits to several
correction and rehabilitation institutions. In August 2013, it provided advice to the Ministry
of Justice on its plan to develop a new security and operations unit for prisons and courts.
10
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