The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) hosted an interactive workshop and a Ramadan Iftar, attended by 38 young men and women from Zawiya, Ajaylat, Sabratha, and Al Jadida. The event, supported by the ministries of Youth and Labor, aimed to discuss mechanisms to reduce community violence, enhance trust, and build the foundations of sustainable peace.
This initiative is part of the “YouEngage” strategy and is sponsored by the Security Institutions Section. It brought together 24 young men and 10 young women from community activists, along with representatives from the Ministry of Youth and the Libyan Reintegration and Rehabilitation Project. The participants addressed current challenges and developed local initiatives to alleviate tensions and reduce conflicts, taking into account local specificities.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
