Getting justice for Libya: MEMO in Conversation with Elham Saudi

This conversation was recorded before the Derna floods

Some 20 per cent of Libyans have had a family member kidnapped or go missing since the 2011 protests that ousted long term dictator Muammar Gaddafi, with officials who have been implicated in atrocities against their people vying for power, will Libyans ever get justice?

In 2011 Libyans took to the streets demanding justice, freedom and dignity, there was hope for a new Libya. The fall of Muammar Gaddafi seemed to present Libyans with a new opportunity. However, militia warfare, political infighting, corruption, violence and economic dysfunction have left the North African country in a fragile state since the Arab Spring. The pursuit of justice still remains a key endeavour for Libyans and holding different factions accountable is essential for the country’s political future. Libyan diaspora activists and lawyers aim to help Libyans realise this dream. We are joined by Elham Saudi, co-founder and director of Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL).

Elham is an international lawyer specialising in international human rights law and international humanitarian law. She is the co-founder and director of Lawyers for Justice in Libya, a non-governmental organisation working on promoting human rights and rule of law in Libya, including through advocacy, research and seeking accountability for human rights violations and international crimes. Elham is one of the experts who drafted Libya’s first comprehensive law on the protection of women, which is due for consideration by the country’s House of Representatives.

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