Tripoli, Libya - February 10 2014 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya, in partnership with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), has organized a series of “Inclusive Constitution” workshops for candidates of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA). The workshops were held at Corinthia hotel in Tripoli from 1st to 9th of February and reached over 55% of the 648 (64 women) CDA candidates, including 324 men and 39 women from all regions.

Offering training to all CDA candidates recognizes the critical role that they will all play in the constitution-making process, either as elected members of the CDA or as instrumental civil society leaders. UNDP Country Director, Mr. Eric Overvest, emphasized that “the constitution is the framework of the social contract between Libya and its people with the ultimate aim to provide the political stability and social justice.” He highlighted the importance of supporting both the CDA and civil society in their engagement in the constitution-making process. Public participation in the process is critical to ensure the ownership and inclusiveness of the new constitution which is why all of the candidates are important.

The “Inclusive Constitution” workshops were facilitated by constitutional experts from several countries in the Arab Region, who provided theoretical concepts as well as examples and case studies of constitution-making processes from other countries. Mrs. Khadigja Mohammed, a CDA candidate from Benghazi, noted that the coming few months Libya will witness a paramount event in its history. She added that “as the country is on the verge of organizing national election for CDA she finds the workshop extremely timely, providing her with an opportunity to gain knowledge on the constitution-making process, systems of government and governance, and the rights of minority groups and women in constitution” and thanked UNDP for its timely support.

As part of its backing to the transition to democracy process in Libya, UNDP has supported a wide array of awareness raising, dialogues, round table discussions with civil society and academic community. Additionally, UNDP has provided support to civil society with a focus on outreach and civic education, including support to women’s participation in constitution-making process through facilitating local dialogue sessions for women throughout the country. Moreover, UNDP has worked jointly with UNSMIL to organize targeted skills building initiatives in the areas of advocacy, lobbying and campaigning for female CDA candidates.

In 2014, UNDP will continue to support Libyans in their participation in constitution-making process through a series of targeted activities, including this workshop. Dr. Reida El Oakley, candidate for Toubreg, El-Mukhaili and Guppa, concludes by saying, “The course will help me in my future efforts to serve the Libyan people.”

For further information:

Mohammed Salih, UNDP Communication Specialist, mohammed.salih@undp.org. Tel: 0944832374

Adam Styp-Rekowski, UNDP Project Manager Assistance to Building a Constitution, adam.styp-rekowski@undp.org Tel 0918141832

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