Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Raisedon Zenenga met with representatives of the Libyan High Council of Women.
According to a statement by the UN Mission (UNSMIL), female representatives shared their views during a meeting on Thursday. This was related to election issues and the outputs of the 6+6 Joint Committee. As well as the issue of women’s quotas, and ensuring that women play a greater role in decision-making.
Zenenga confirmed that UNSMIL calls for “empowering women and increasing their representation in the upcoming elections.” He also highlighted the United Nations’ work in Libya, including its various organizations.
The participants in the meeting called for “building the capacities of young female decision-makers,” and urged UNSMIL to “increase the engagement of officials in Libya in expanding the political space available for women.”
Notably, the Head of UNSMIL, Abdoulaye Bathily expressed his views on the work of the 6+6 Joint Committee, in a briefing before the Security Council on Monday.
Comprised of members from the Libyan Parliament and the High Council of State (HCS), the Committee’s efforts were commended by Bathily. However, he noted that “this step is not enough to resolve all the outstanding issues in the way of the elections.”
Bathily further elaborated during the briefing: “We have followed the reactions to the outcomes of the 6+6 Committee, and this has highlighted that there are still several contentious issues.”
“The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has contacted the concerned parties expressing its concerns about the loopholes and shortcomings in the proposed election laws by the Committee.”
Notably, Bathily affirmed the continued support of UNSMIL and the international community for the Libyan elections. He also praised the readiness of HNEC to organize the elections, in accordance with international standards and principles.
The Chairman of HNEC, Emad Al-Sayeh received Bathily and his accompanying delegation, where they reviewed a number of issues related to the elections, the latest developments in the electoral process, and ways to support current proposals and steps.