DSRSG Ulrika Richardson highlights rule of law and detainee rights during Benghazi visit

Benghazi — Today, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator (DSRSG/RC) joined the opening of the first Benghazi International Conference on Justice and Reform. In welcoming the Conference, she highlighted 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. These violations continue to inflict profound suffering on individuals, families, and communities while eroding public trust in institutions and the rule of law. Echoing the priorities identified by Libyans through the Structured Dialogue, she underscored the need to end arbitrary detention, preserve a unified and independent judiciary, implement judicial decisions, fight impunity and strengthen accountability. The United Nations will continue to work with national and international stakeholders to support Libyan-led efforts to strengthen justice institutions, improve detention conditions, and uphold the dignity and rights of all persons deprived of their liberty across Libya. The DSRSG/RC 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. Their discussion 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. The DSRSG/RC expressed the readiness to strengthen cooperation of the United Nations towards these objectives in coordination with relevant institutions and partners across Libya.