Tripoli, 8 March: Lawyers for Justice in Libya, a Libyan NGO working to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms . . .[restrict]in Libya has paid tribute to role Libyan women have played throughout the country’s history but in particular in helping bring about the country’s freedom during the February 17 Revolution. It issued the statement to coincide with International Women’s Day, 8 March.
LJL said: “Libyan women are also playing a major role in the process of the democratisation and reconstruction of a new Libya, which cannot be accomplished without their full participation.”
It called on the Libyan authorities to promote the engagement of women in this crucial transitional period in Libya.
“It is their duty to ensure that women are not excluded from the political process and to ensure their full participation in this process,” the statement said. “We further remind the authorities that Libya is required, under UN Security Council Resolution 1325, to adopt a gender perspective that includes the special needs of women during repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction. Failing to do so means failing to meet Libya’s international obligations.”
There was nothing, LJL said, that prevented the country from setting a good example of a true democracy that recognises women as an essential component of society. “It is the time for Libya to inspire women to flourish and to support them to be future leaders of their country in every field and to take their rightful place in Libyan society”, it declared. [/restrict]
