Benghazi, Libya | 28–30 July 2026 – The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) participated in the First Benghazi International Conference on Justice and Legal Reform, represented by its Information and Communication Officer, Pa Modou Cham. Also in attendance was Dr. Naji Moulay Lahsen, a member of the ACDHRS Governing Council. The three-day international conference brought together policymakers, judicial professionals, academics, human rights experts, and representatives of national, regional, and international organisations to deliberate on strengthening justice systems, promoting the rule of law, and advancing legal reform.
Organised by the National Committee for the Follow-up of Prison and Detainee Conditions, in collaboration with the National Council for Public Freedoms and Human Rights of Libya, the conference served as a platform for exchanging experiences and identifying practical approaches to strengthening correctional institutions and safeguarding the rights of persons deprived of their liberty.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in keynote presentations, scientific sessions, panel discussions, and expert dialogues focusing on justice sector reform, prison and detention conditions, legal safeguards, and the promotion of human rights in line with international standards. The programme also highlighted the work and achievements of Libya’s National Committee for the Follow-up of Prison and Detainee Conditions while fostering dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing correctional institutions. Conference evaluation sessions further assessed the relevance of the themes, quality of presentations, and effectiveness of the discussions.
Representing ACDHRS, Pa Modou Cham actively participated in the conference proceedings, engaging with fellow participants and contributing to discussions on justice, legal reform, and human rights. Dr. Naji Moulay Lahsen also participated in the conference, joining experts and institutional representatives in exchanging perspectives on strengthening the rule of law and promoting reforms that uphold international human rights standards.
The participation of both representatives reinforced ACDHRS’s commitment to promoting justice, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and regional cooperation. The conference also provided an important opportunity to strengthen institutional networks and establish contacts with organisations and experts working in justice reform, prison oversight, and human rights protection. These engagements are expected to contribute to future collaboration and the sharing of good practices that advance the protection of human rights across Africa and beyond.
ACDHRS considers participation in international forums of this nature essential to its mission of promoting democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The knowledge and experiences gained from the conference will contribute to the Centre’s advocacy, communications, research, and capacity-building initiatives while supporting ongoing efforts to encourage rights-based approaches to justice and institutional reform across the continent.
The Centre expresses its appreciation to the organisers for convening an important international platform that promoted dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences on justice and legal reform. ACDHRS reaffirms its commitment to engaging in regional and international initiatives that advance the protection and promotion of human rights, justice, and the rule of law throughout Africa.
