The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urged Libyan authorities to create an environment that upholds the rights of women and girls, aligning with international obligations.
“As we strive for the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s goal to end violence against women by 2030, I call upon Libyan institutions and political actors to invest in preventing all forms of violence against women,” said Abdoulaye Bathily, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNSMIL.
The UN said it is rallying behind defenders of women’s rights in Libya, endorsing the 16 days of activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls.
Recent UN Women research revealed that almost all female representatives faced some form of political violence during and after their elections. Threats, including abduction, enforced disappearance, cyber harassment, and verbal and psychological violence, originated from armed groups, male councillors, and community members.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, remarked, “we still live in a male-dominated culture that leaves women vulnerable by denying them equality in dignity and rights.”
UNSMIL advocated for the establishment of an effective legal framework addressing violence against women and girls in both private and public spheres. This approach aims to enable women to participate in electoral processes as voters and candidates and to ensure meaningful representation at all levels of decision-making.
“Every effort invested in the prevention of violence against women and girls is a significant step towards a safer, more just, and inclusive Libya,” concluded Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bathily.
In June, 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 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. They also discussed 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 UN’s work in Libya, including its various organisations.
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.”