Tripoli: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has declared that barriers limiting women’s participation in political life are inconsistent with human rights principles. The mission emphasized the necessity of recognizing and protecting the rights of all women and girls equally.
According to Libyan News Agency, the statement from UNSMIL came on the occasion of International Women’s Day, celebrated under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.” It highlighted that the presence of Libyan women is crucial for fostering peace, development, and progress. The recent municipal council elections in Libya were cited as evidence, with the election of two women as mayors in Zliten and Suluq and three women winning seats outside the quota system, showcasing growing public confidence in women’s leadership capabilities.
UNSMIL’s statement stressed that as women are afforded more opportunities to hold leadership roles, public confidence in their leadership abilities will increase. It urged the Libyan state to support women’s leadership and to spotlight their achievements. Furthermore, the mission warned against practices of intimidation and harassment, including those on social media, asserting that such actions violate rights and impede women’s empowerment.
The statement continued to explain that practices intended to undermine women’s authority in public office, restrict their duties, and subject them to intimidation and marginalization are inconsistent with fundamental human rights principles. The mission noted that Libyan women still encounter discriminatory practices and struggle to access resources necessary to achieve their goals, depriving the country of their skills and capabilities.
In conclusion, the UNSMIL statement called for the dismantling of barriers limiting women’s participation in political, economic, and civic life through current policies and legislation.