On Thursday, United Nations experts slammed the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity’s (GNU) policy effectively blocking females from travelling abroad, without a male guardian as “discriminatory and a violation of their rights.”
In a statement, the UN experts indicated that the GNU government, headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba issued a new policy in April requiring females travelling without a male escort (mahram) to complete a detailed form about the reasons for their travel, and past travel.
Those who refuse to complete or submit the form are reportedly denied exit, nine independent UN rights experts warned. These include members of the working group on discrimination against women and girls, and the special rapporteur on violence against women and girls.
“Not only is this policy discriminatory, but it also restricts the freedom of movement of women and girls, including students who leave the country to study abroad,” they said in a statement.
“We are particularly concerned about the negative impact of the discriminatory procedure on the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls.”
The experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the UN, also voiced alarm about reports that the Libyan Internal Security Agency was intimidating rights defenders, who spoke out against the policy.
They urged the GNU – to “withdraw the discriminatory requirement.” As well as for the authorities to “prevent all intimidation, harassment and attacks” against those who protested against the requirement.
The experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations, or thematic issues in all parts of the world.
