Human Rights Watch Reports on Libya's Judicial Challenges and Human Rights Violations

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released its World Report 2026, highlighting significant challenges within Libya's judicial system and ongoing human rights violations.

The report notes that two rival entities continue to compete for control of Libya’s territory, resources, and international legitimacy amid deep political divisions, rising repression, and armed confrontations. Fragmentation and systemic shortcomings persist in Libya’s judicial institutions as abusive militias operate with near impunity. The judiciary remains unwilling and unable to meaningfully investigate serious crimes.

Inhumane conditions and serious abuses persist in migrant detention centers and prisons in Libya controlled by abusive, unaccountable armed groups nominally linked with authorities. Abuses include long-term arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, unlawful killings, torture, overcrowding, beatings, deprivation of food and water, forced labor, and sexual assault.

The report also highlights the lack of legal provisions to prevent domestic violence, punish perpetrators, and protect survivors. The penal code allows for a reduced sentence if a man kills or injures his wife or another female relative on even mere suspicion of extramarital sexual relations. Perpetrators of rape can escape prosecution if they marry the victim.

HRW underscores the need for Libya to address these systemic issues to ensure justice and uphold human rights within the country.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the original report by Human Rights Watch: World Report 2026: Libya.