Stephanie Khoury, Acting Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), met with Halima Abdulrahman, Minister of Justice in the Government of National Unity (GNU), to discuss progress and challenges in the field of human rights.
During the meeting, detailed in a post on Khoury’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, they explored ways the UN mission can support efforts to enhance human rights, including improving detention conditions for women and children.
Khoury emphasized the critical importance of having an independent judiciary in Libya.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the meeting covered various topics, including measures taken to conduct the electoral process for selecting legislative and executive authorities in Libya, in line with the roadmap established in the Berlin Agreement.
In a statement, the ministry highlighted Minister Abdulrahman’s presentation on the progress in human rights, focusing on areas prioritized by the government such as the rights of children, women, people with disabilities, and human rights across all aspects of life.
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.
