Tripoli Bombings Shattering Women’s Safety

Gender Concerns International stresses the need for greater attention and protection of women in the armed conflict zone of Libya. Women’s and civil society organizations in Libya condemn the heavy shelling around Tripoli’s Mitiga aiport that causes the dislocation of thousands of women and children putting them in grave danger on a daily basis. They also demand greater involvement of the UN Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to put an end to these violations and reach a much-awaited final solution for peace.

While Libya celebrated the ninth anniversary of the February Revolution, both the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) forces led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar have suspended their involvement in the UN Peace Talks, subsequently disrupting the plans for a ceasefire agreement approved by both parties in early January 2020. Consequently, the UN Special Envoy to Libya, Mr. Ghassan Salame, has resigned due to increased stress caused by continuous yet often unsuccessful efforts to bring peace to the country. The UN has yet to make a statement about the next Special Envoy in Libya. A female perspective to conflict resolution might be what Libya needs at the moment, and what Libyan women deserve.

Women’s organizations in Libya call for the inclusion of women in the UN-led peace process to ensure the development of a long-lasting peace agreement made by Libyans, for Libyans.