TRIPOLI/BENGHAZI – 12 September – In meetings held with civil society representatives, youth and women’s organisations in both Tripoli and Benghazi, Under-Secretary-General, Rosemary DiCarlo stressed the importance of a free and open civic space, adding that a thriving civil society is an indispensable force for change to improve rights.

The participants raised concerns about official restrictions on civic space , including enforced disappearances, and highlighted that most of the political discussions centred on east and west, but often didn’t include the south. They also detailed the challenges that women in particular face, when engaging in civil society work, travelling and participating in public life.

“CSOs have a critical role to play in promoting public participation, transparency and accountability,” DiCarlo said. “The situation in Libya is more divided than previously. It is a critical time. We cannot lose what have gained already. Women, youth and civil society are key to Libya’s political transition and peacebuilding,” she added.

Participants acknowledged the work done by the Mission to improve youth engagement and to secure more gender parity in political negotiations. But they asked for more meaningful engagement and a larger quota for women in the legislative bodies where they have decision-making powers. They also felt the UN should do more to sanction those seen as preventing the political process from moving forward.

“I have hope for the parliamentary elections,” said one candidate, “but not national. They should not be tied together because this is being done to keep people in a loop,” they added.

Noting that next year was both the 20^th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 on Women Peace and Security, and the 10^th anniversary of UNSCR 2250 on Youth Peace and Security, DiCarlo stressed that the UN wanted to see more women in the political and electoral processes.

“This is extremely difficult in societies where women traditionally do not have a role to play in public life,” she said. “It is not just Libya. In every country women face difficulties, including hate speech. It is frightening but there are ways to overcome it.”

The discussion also focused on the role of the UN and the limitations of UNSMIL’s mandate.

“Throughout all my engagements in Libya I have stressed that the UN’s role is to support Libyans to find a solution, not to impose one,” said DiCarlo. “Our role is to amplify Libyan voices; we cannot find a solution for Libyans. The UN is fully supportive of UNSMIL’s efforts to launch a new comprehensive political process which we hope will find a path out of the political crisis and move the country towards lasting peace and prosperity. It is what Libyan citizens deserve.”