This is the first workshop implemented by UNODC that focused on identifying key gaps, challenges, needs and interventions related to access to legal aid and the use alternatives to detention as well as increasing awareness on relevant international norms and standards such as the importance of referral.

The workshop featured important roundtable discussions among 17 judges, prosecutors and public lawyers on the subject to exchange views and best practices on how to strengthen child-friendly justice in Libya. “We learned so much from this workshop, firstly from the network in attendance and from UNODC’s expertise in this field. I look forward to more workshops of this nature where we have round-table discussions and an interactive opportunity to voice our experiences and learn from experiences from other countries” said one of the participants.

Funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNODC, the Developing Juvenile Justice in Libya programme seeks to support children in contact with the law in Libya including those in detention, to have a child-friendly justice system in addition to supporting the development of relevant policies, improving access of families and children to tailored services accelerating the rehabilitation and reintegration of children, and enhancing pre-release planning and assistance programmes.