MoI, EU and UNDP complete construction of Libya’s first Model Police Station

This significant achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Interior and several actors, including UNDP’s Resilience and Recovery Project, which is funded by the European Union (EU), the UNDP-UNSMIL Police and Security Joint Programme (PSJP), which is funded by the governments of Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (US INL), and the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM).

With considerable EU funding, UNDP completed the reconstruction of the police station, which included the construction of two buildings totaling around 1,600 square meters. UNDP also provided the MPS with necessary furnishings as well as information technology (IT) equipment in order for it to be fully operational. This project’s total investment is estimated to be roughly US$1.4 million.

The MPS was created to develop Libyan security forces and to integrate best practices in community-oriented, citizen-focused policing and police organization administration. To further develop the concept, all mandatory policing functions were identified and agreed upon by all stakeholders, job descriptions were produced and validated, and enabling resources were identified and agreed upon.

The police station is now ready to serve roughly 300,000 people and to serve as a model for other police stations throughout the country in terms of functionality and sustainability using a rights-based approach.

During the inauguration event, Libyan Minister of Interior, Khaled al-Tijiani Mazen, stated, “The Ministry appreciates the entire international community’s cooperation in developing its strategic plans.” The officers of the MoI are determined and willful, and they have sufficient professional experience to progress this security and police superstructure. Furthermore, they are investing in available development possibilities in order to raise their level of performance by taking use of worldwide experiences.”

José Sabadell, EU Ambassador, stated, “Rule of law and rebuilding people’s trust in state security institutions will be crucial parts in rebuilding Libya, and the Libyan unity government prioritized these aspects.” The European Union would undoubtedly be ready to lend its full assistance to the Libyan government’s security sector reform agenda.”

According to Georgette Denise Gagnon, Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, “model community policing also requires that all those with law enforcement responsibilities in Ministry of Interior institutions – police stations, detention centres, and jails – serve and treat all people they come into contact with professionally and equally, p

Gerardo Noto, UNDP Libya Resident Representative, stated, “This is a crucial milestone for enhancing resilience and community security.” Access to justice and increasing people’s trust in rule of law institutions through community-oriented service is a foundation for inclusive growth and democratic governance in Libya, under the direction and direction of the Libyan government.”

Natalina Cea, Head of Mission to EUBAM, stated, “EUBAM Libya is thrilled to see the completion of this project, which would not have been possible without the close collaboration of our Libyan and international partners.” It is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together, and we hope to see the finest practices represented by this model police station spread throughout Libya.”

UNDP is dedicated to assisting police and judiciary actors in providing people-centred, gender-responsive, and conflict-sensitive services, as well as to promoting inclusive and context-sensitive political dialogues on security sector governance.