The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the deterioration of humanitarian and living conditions for prisoners held in correctional and rehabilitation institutions affiliated with the Libyan Ministry of Justice, amid complaints concerning poor nutrition and food services, the lack of access to safe drinking water, and the declining quality of healthcare and medical services. These conditions have reportedly forced some prisoners’ families to bear the costs of purchasing food and water and covering medical treatment expenses in private healthcare facilities, increasing the financial burden and humanitarian suffering of affected families.
According to CFJ, available information raises concerns regarding possible financial and administrative corruption in contracts related to prison supplies, equipment, maintenance, and catering services. Allegations include the awarding of certain procurement and catering contracts through direct assignment procedures without following the tendering processes required under Libya’s administrative contracting regulations. Reports also suggest that some companies may have been subjected to financial pressure or extortion in exchange for receiving payments owed to them or securing new contracts.
These allegations further raise concerns about whether the services and food supplies provided to prisoners comply with the standards, specifications, and quantities stipulated in the relevant contracts, and whether allocated resources are being effectively used to meet detainees’ basic needs.
The Committee for Justice also stresses the need to examine the legality of establishing a body responsible for supplying correctional and rehabilitation institutions under the Ministry of Justice, and to assess whether its mandate is consistent with the responsibilities legally assigned to the Judicial Police Authority, which is tasked under Libyan law with administering prisons and correctional facilities and ensuring the provision of their operational requirements.
CFJ calls on the Office of the Attorney General, the Administrative Control Authority, the Audit Bureau, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct independent, comprehensive, and transparent investigations into prison catering, procurement, maintenance, and supply contracts. The Committee further urges a review of contracting procedures, tender awards, and the expenditure of public funds allocated to the prison sector.
The Committee for Justice also calls for accountability for anyone found responsible for corruption, negligence, or misuse of public resources, while ensuring the provision of adequate food, safe drinking water, and appropriate healthcare services for all prisoners, in a manner that safeguards their dignity and fundamental rights in accordance with international human rights standards.