The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has welcomed a decision by the Parliament-designate government, under Prime Minister Osama Hamad in eastern Libya, to establish a national committee aimed at improving conditions for prisoners and detainees across the country.
In a statement, UNSMIL said it supports all efforts to address detainees’ human rights, with a particular focus on ending arbitrary detention, a widespread practice in Libya, and ensuring full civilian oversight of all detention facilities.
The mission specifically welcomed the establishment of the National Ad Hoc Committee for Prison and Detainees Oversight, formed on 23 December in Benghazi.
UNSMIL described the move as a positive step towards strengthening accountability, improving detention conditions and advancing the rule of law.
According to UNSMIL, the new committee is expected to work alongside other oversight mechanisms, including the Rights Oversight Committee for Prisons and Detention Centres established in Tripoli on 4 June 2025, as well as the ongoing efforts of Libya’s Attorney General.
The mission expressed hope that coordination between these bodies would help address arbitrary detentions, enhance transparency in detention management and improve respect for human rights across Libya’s divided institutional landscape.
Arbitrary detention has long been a major concern for international organisations, with detainees often held without due process and in facilities lacking effective judicial supervision.
UNSMIL stressed that strengthening civilian oversight remains essential to restoring trust in state institutions and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.
The mission also reaffirmed its readiness to provide technical support and assistance to Libyan authorities, in line with international norms, to help improve prison management and safeguard detainees’ rights.
UNSMIL said sustained political will, institutional cooperation and accountability would be critical to ensuring that the newly established committee delivers tangible improvements and contributes to long-term stability and justice throughout Libya.
