Libya
Libya
Years after the deposition of dictator Moammar Gadhafi as part of the Arab Spring, Libya remains in a deteriorating security situation that is especially volatile for women. Sexual and gender-based violence during the war, including mass rape, has yet to be investigated, and women’s rights have continued to decline as different Islamic groups strive to curtail freedoms throughout the country. Violence against women remains common, but reporting remains low; like political and civic participation, reporting and activism by women remains deterred due to threats of violence or death.
Since 2011, Libya has passed new laws which discriminate against women, including the legalization of polygamy and quota reductions for women’s representation in Parliament. Although a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Libya does not have a National Action Plan per resolution 1325 (2000).
Due to the high rates of discrimination, exclusion and violence faced by women in Libya, the NGOWG advocates for the Security Council to continue supporting the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to include women as full and equal partners in supporting the transition of power to the Government of National Accord, which has struggled to establish legitimacy and control. Without the inclusion of women, the new government will face greater challenges to creating sustainable peace in Libya and continue exposing Libyan women to extreme risk of violence.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Libya (May 2015)
The Council will be considering the report on the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in the context of a tenuous security situation, increasing attacks on activists, the threat posed by armed groups and illicit arms proliferation, and concern regarding instability within the government. The reports published in February represent good practice in terms of attention to key women, peace and security issues, by specifically highlighting instances where women activists were targeted for engaging in efforts to promote women’s participation, empowerment and realization of human rights. In its discussions, the Council should:
- Support women’s full and equal participation in all political processes, national dialogue, constitution-drafting, and reconstruction efforts. The Libyan government should ensure that women’s role in DDR and SSR is promoted, and capacity is built to recruit and expand female participation in the police force.
- Recognize women’s and girls’ particular protection needs and provide training for all security personnel to identify, respond to and protect individuals from gender-based threats and abuses. Particular attention should be paid to activists, who are at particular risk of intimidation and threats.
- Urge accountability for ongoing crimes and call on the Libyan authorities to protect all foreign nationals, regardless of immigration status, from violence, exploitation, threats and abuses. Ensure that all detainees are treated humanely, receive necessary medical treatment and are protected from torture and other violations, including SGBV.
The Council will be considering the report on the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in the context of a tenuous security situation, increasing attacks on activists, the threat posed by armed groups and illicit arms proliferation, and concern regarding instability within the government. The reports published in February represent good practice in terms of attention to key women, peace and security issues, by specifically highlighting instances where women activists were targeted for engaging in efforts to promote women’s participation, empowerment and realization of human rights. In its discussions, the Council should:
- Support women’s full and equal participation in all political processes, national dialogue, constitution-drafting, and reconstruction efforts. The Libyan government should ensure that women’s role in DDR and SSR is promoted, and capacity is built to recruit and expand female participation in the police force.
- Recognize women’s and girls’ particular protection needs and provide training for all security personnel to identify, respond to and protect individuals from gender-based threats and abuses. Particular attention should be paid to activists, who are at particular risk of intimidation and threats.
- Urge accountability for ongoing crimes and call on the Libyan authorities to protect all foreign nationals, regardless of immigration status, from violence, exploitation, threats and abuses. Ensure that all detainees are treated humanely, receive necessary medical treatment and are protected from torture and other violations, including SGBV.
Relevant Resources
