TRIPOLI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday launched a program to support the Libyan Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Interior to strengthen the policing management and rule of law in Libya.

The program aimed at enhancing the police directorate's capacity as well as improving the coordination work with other institutions, such as the Ministry of Justice, the prison management system, and other related institutions. It also referred to providing capacity-building to the staff of the Ministry of Interior, the mission said.

"A strong and peaceful Libya requires building effective and capable state institutions that enjoy the trust of the citizens," the UNSMIL said in a statement.

"Security and justice are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the primary objectives of this program," said Maria Ribeiro, deputy head of the UNSMIL in Libya.

"It is an ambitious project, but I am encouraged by the strong commitment made today by the Libyan ministers of justice and interior and by the generous support of the governments of the USA and the Netherlands," she said.

With armed groups controlling towns and cities in eastern Libya, the country's law enforcement institutions are faced with huge challenges to safeguard public security and maintain the rule of law.