Juvenile Laws at Libya
Libya's juvenile justice system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, aiming to align with international standards and prioritize the rehabilitation and protection of minors.
⚖️ Legal Framework
Law No. 17 of 1992: This law regulates matters concerning minors and those of equivalent status in Libya. It outlines guardianship provisions, including the termination of guardianship upon reaching the age of maturity or lifting restrictions from individuals deemed insane or imbecile. It also specifies conditions under which guardianship is mandatorily revoked, such as committing certain crimes against the ward or failing in family duties.
🧒 Age of Criminal Responsibility
Specific details regarding the age of criminal responsibility in Libya are not readily available in the provided sources However, international standards typically consider individuals under the age of 18 as minors, and many countries set the age of criminal responsibility between 12 and 16 years, It's important to note that Libya has been making efforts to reform its juvenile justice system to better protect children's rights
🏛️ Juvenile Justice Procedures
Juvenile Detention Facilities Libya operates juvenile detention centers, such as the one near Tripoli, where minors are hel. Conditions in these facilities have faced scrutiny, especially concerning the treatment of migrant childre. For instance, a 15-year-old Sudanese refugee was detained for five months under harsh conditions, highlighting concerns about the treatment of minors in detention.
Capacity Building and Training In 2014, UNICEF facilitated training workshops in Tunisia for Libyan professionals working with children in conflict with the la. These workshops focused on restorative justice and non-custodial measures, aiming to enhance the skills of prosecutors, police officers, judges, and social workers in handling juvenile case.
🛑 Recent Reforms
**Development of Juvenile System Project (2021)*: Launched in January 2021, this joint project involves the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Social Affairs, and international partners like the European Union, UNDP, UNICEF, and UNOC, The initiative aims to provide child-friendly access to justice for all children in Libya, including those deprived of liberty, in line with international conventions such as the UN Child Rights Convention and the Beijing Rules.
*Child-Friendly Justice Initiatives: In May 2022, Libyan authorities, in collaboration with international partners, launched a project to enhance a child-friendly justice system, This initiative focuses on policy development, improving access to tailored services for families and children, accelerating rehabilitation and reintegration, and enhancing pre-release planning and assistance programs.
**Operational Plan for Strengthening Child Justice System (2024)*: In 2024, the Ministry of Interior and UNICEF signed an operational plan to enhance the child-friendly justice system in Liba, The partnership aims to strengthen the juvenile system by building the capacity of Family and Child Protection Units staff and developing standard operational procedures for children in contact and conflict with the law.
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These reforms demonstrate Libya's commitment to improving its juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation, protection of children's rights, and alignment with international standards.
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