The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Thursday reiterated its call for “accountability for crimes targeting women” in Libya.
“Twenty-five years following the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which represented a turning point for the global agenda on gender equality, and as we approach the 20th anniversary of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the public space for Libyan women to voice their opinions and take an active role in the political life and post-conflict reconstruction is rapidly shrinking,” UNSMIL said in a statement.
UNSMIL revealed lack of protection and support for the women in Libya to actively participate in the public space without the fear of reprisals.
“Incidents of conflict-related sexual violence by armed groups remain severely underreported as a result of fear, intimidation and stigma related to underlying discriminatory gender norm,” the statement said.
“The Mission remains committed to empowering and strengthening the role of Libyan women in public life and securing equal participation in peacebuilding and reconciliation processes,” it added.
Libya has been plagued by escalating violence and political instability ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011.
