TRIPOLI - 03 March – Today, The Embassy of the Netherlands in Libya and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), signed a new agreement to address the issue of missing persons in Libya. This three-year project aims to support meaningful victim participation and build responsive justice and security sector institutions.

With thousands of families still searching for their loved ones, the need for coordination and a comprehensive approach to address the issue of missing persons in Libya is crucial. Many victims are in need of support to effectively partake in national reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.

This project addresses these challenges by providing technical assistance and capacity-building to Libyan authorities and civil society organizations. It aims to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for addressing the issue of missing persons, enhance the capacities of forensic and investigative authorities, and support the establishment of a comprehensive and victim-centred approach to address the needs of families of the missing.

Joost Klarenbeek, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Libya, said “the disappearance of a loved one is a horrific experience, and without knowing the truth about what happened to them, it is very difficult for family members to move forward. With our support to this project, we hope to contribute to truth and justice, for the benefit of the families and for the benefit of Libya’s transition.”

“Addressing the issue of missing persons in Libya is crucial for national reconciliation,” said Christopher Laker, UNDP Resident Representative. “This partnership with the Netherlands represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support victims and their families and to build a more peaceful, just, and inclusive Libya.”

"The issue of missing persons in Libya is longstanding; families of those missing have the right to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones and to accountability,” stressed UNSMIL's director of human rights and rule of law, Suki Nagra. “The United Nations aims to strengthen national capacities to advance human rights and support transitional justice through this project," she added.

The Netherlands, UNDP and UNSMIL partnership underscores  their joint commitment to human rights in Libya. This initiative aims to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and reconciliation, ensuring a future where justice and human dignity are at the forefront of Libya’s development.