LFJL announces organisational rebrand and restructure to advance transformative justice in Libya

Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) is excited to share its organisational restructure that seeks to challenge traditional approaches to human rights work, to address justice in a holistic and intersectional manner that tangibly meets the needs of victims, survivors and affected communities in Libya. We also unveil our new logo.

Over the past year, LFJL has engaged in an extensive period of reflection and evaluation on our work since our establishment in the wake of the uprising against the Gaddafi regime in 2011. Over these past 13 years, LFJL has nurtured an ever-growing network of allies and partners to progress accountability, justice and respect for human rights in Libya. Together with this network, we have taken stock of both our achievements and strengths, as well as areas for improvement and expansion.

This assessment has also coincided with current world events which have further highlighted how conventional practices of international justice, and its double standards, are frequently denying citizens globally their access to justice and human rights.

Our restructure moves away from traditional, rigid human rights work to put the spotlight on transformative justice, encouraging greater innovation and flexibility in all our operations. Staff will also work across diverse project teams and networks, rather than being confined to specific programmes. Replacing the former programmes of work – Law, Advocacy and Outreach, and Research and Capacity Building – we now take a more thematic and collaborative approach, and look at the following areas of desired transformation:

• Movement building to ensure a strong and resilient civil society working towards transformative justice.
• Daily injustices and institutional change to uphold peoples’ dignity.
• Accountability and justice for serious international crimes and human rights violations to end impunity and provide redress to victims.‍
• Equality and non-discrimination as a cornerstone of a just society.

Through these four programmatic areas, our transformative justice approach seeks to create systemic change by challenging the underlying social, cultural, economic, ecological and political conditions that give rise to injustice, violence and violations in Libya.

“When we started LFJL in 2011, we had to start from the beginning, establishing awareness about a culture of human rights and developing an active and resilient civil society. While we have come a long way, it is clear that we now need to look further, particularly paying attention to the intersectional nature of violations and crimes committed in Libya.” – Elham Saudi, LFJL’s Executive Director and co-founder.

We also make a commitment to all LFJL staff and our partners through our Team Alliance that puts our organisational values – accountability; constructive and honest communication; empathy; respect; safety; and trust – at the heart of how we work.

“I have partnered with LFJL for over a decade, and they have been a dedicated and trusted ally in our shared struggle for justice, accountability and redress for victims in Libya. Today, human rights seem like an illusion to many in Libya, and as the world changes around us, I believe it is time to rethink how we can revolutionise our work to bring justice to people’s lives, as it is a prerequisite for civilisation and progress.” – Emad Irqayah, human rights defender.

As we start with our new structure, we honour and say goodbye to two LFJL staff members who have made invaluable contributions to what LFJL is today: our former Head of Advocacy and Outreach, Marwa Mohamed and former Head of Research and Capacity Building, Mohamed Elmessiry, who move on to other important work in the field.

The new era for LFJL is also marked by a visual redesign, with a new logo and visual identity, reflecting our organisation’s core – a commitment to the people of Libya. The Arabic word مُحَامُون, pronounced muhamoon, which translates to ‘lawyers’, takes centre stage in the design as we honour what our partners in Libya have called us on the ground since LFJL’s establishment. We lose the ‘scale’ iconography symbolising colonial imagery of justice, and maintain our historical blue within a simplified colour palette.

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“LFJL’s Board of Trustees has been closely involved in the re-structuring and re-branding process, which is essential to ensure that LFJL continues to be a cutting-edge organisation championing human rights in Libya and for Libyans. We are committed to supporting LFJL staff and partners in this process.” – Andrew Balfour, Chairperson of LFJL Board of Trustees.

This restructuring marks an exciting new chapter for LFJL. We look forward to continuing our journey with all our partners, supporters and stakeholders, pursuing transformative change in Libya together.

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