TRIPOLI, 26 November 2023 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stands united with Libyan defenders of women’s rights in supporting the 16 days of activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

UNSMIL calls on all Libyan authorities to foster an environment that respects and protects women and girls in Libya in line with their international obligations.

“As we embark on the United Nations Secretary General’s campaign to end violence against women by 2030, I call upon Libyan institutions and political actors to invest in preventing all forms of violence against women,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily.

Nearly all female councillors interviewed as part of recent UN Women research had experienced at least one form of political violence during and after their election. These threats came from armed groups, male councillors and community members and included threats of abduction, enforced disappearance, cyber harassment, verbal and psychological violence.

“We still live in a male-dominated culture that leaves women vulnerable by denying them equality in dignity and rights,” said the UN Secretary General, António Guterres.

UNSMIL encourages all authorities to work toward an effective legal framework which addresses violence against women and girls, both in the private and public sphere, so that they are able to engage in electoral processes as voters and candidates and be meaningfully represented in all levels of decision-making.

“Every effort invested in the prevention of violence against women and girls is a significant step towards a safer, more just, and inclusive Libya,” said SRSG Bathily.