UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Libya’s House of Representatives to finalise and adopt the draft law on protecting women from violence.
In his latest report to the UN Security Council, covering developments in Libya from 5 April to 1 August, Guterres stressed that greater participation of women and youth in civic life strengthens the legitimacy and inclusiveness of political and electoral processes.
The Secretary-General voiced deep concern over the human rights situation in Libya. He highlighted continuing reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, deaths in detention, and the discovery of mass graves. He urged immediate, independent, and comprehensive investigations, with full accountability for perpetrators.
Guterres also called for safeguarding civic space and intensifying efforts to counter the spread of hate speech. He emphasised that protecting human rights is essential to advancing peace and stability in the country.
On migration, the report described conditions for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Libya as “deplorable.” The UN chief appealed for stronger protection of their dignity and rights, while holding accountable those responsible for abuses.
He further underlined the urgent need to support Sudanese refugees in Libya and neighbouring states, urging the international community to increase funding for the Sudan regional emergency response plan. Guterres warned that without adequate resources, humanitarian needs will remain unmet.
The report comes amid political deadlock and growing international concern about instability in Libya. Human rights groups have long pressed for accountability over abuses in detention centres and for legislative reforms to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and migrants.
Guterres’ appeal adds pressure on Libya’s divided institutions to prioritise human rights alongside political reconciliation.
