TRIPOLI— The National Reconciliation and Human Rights Track of the Structured Dialogue, during its fourth round of meetings this week, had a special focus on reviewing national and local reconciliation projects and initiatives.
Over the course of the four-day sessions, Track members also had a chance to develop and affirm draft recommendations addressing issues including violations related to internal displacement, local reconciliation and the human rights situation in the southern region, discrimination against cultural and linguistic components, and enforced disappearances. They also discussed ways to ensure a human rights-based approach to ongoing national reconciliation efforts—particularly the Presidential Council-led strategic project.
To aid discussions, members delivered presentations on missing persons; victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Tarhuna; internally displaced persons in Benghazi; and the issue of holders of administrative numbers instead of formal nationality documents. Members from predominately Amazigh and Tebu areas also highlighted the issue of language, asking for clear recommendations to any new government to tackle the discriminatory policies against these components.
Track members examined how to refine transitional justice and reconciliation recommendations to build on experience from past Libyan initiatives and international best practices. They agreed that a key challenge will be addressing deep political divisions and uniting the parallel institutions. They emphasized the importance of insulating reconciliation efforts from political polarization and external influence.
The assembly discussed whether beginning the reconciliation process with a new National Peace Charter was the best course of action or to proceed differently. Noting local, tribal, and regional conflicts, and bogging down efforts with ideological battles and power struggles on the national stage, a majority concluded that it was more practical to begin with local, bottom-up, initiatives that ensure local ownership.
They also reviewed the draft recommendations with the view of ensuring women’s participation as partners in decision-making processes—not just as voices for victims. For sustainable peace, discussions emphasized women must have both a seat at the table and a meaningful role in shaping decisions.
The final recommendations of the National Reconciliation and Human Rights Track are expected to be published during the Structured Dialogue plenary meeting scheduled for 7 June.
