Tripoli, 19 December 2013:
The General National Congress (GNC) and the High National Election Committee have been attacked by NGO Lawyers for Justice . . .[restrict]in Libya (LFJL) over the low representation of Amazigh, Tebu and Tuareg ethnic groups in the framing of the constitution.
The condemnation came on the 21st anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Minorities. LFJL called on the authorities to remember their commitment to human rights and ensure inclusivity and sufficient representation of minority groups in the constitution-drafting process.
The group criticised, in particular, the low levels of representation for ethnic minority groups in the 60-member Committee for the drafting of the constitution. LFJL called the law, which apportioned six seats to Amazigh, Tebu and Tuareg representatives in the committee, “a flawed structure.” This, it said, had resulted in inadequate guarantees of representation for minority groups.
“Recognising and protecting diversity will bring much needed tolerance, understanding and respect to Libyan society,” said LFJL Director Elham Saudi. “Just because certain groups will not be at the drafting table does not mean that their interests should not reach the pen of the drafters.”
LFJL also pointed out that the authorities had a responsibility to Tuareg and Tebu communities to ensure their human rights were met.
“It is vital that all laws, especially the constitution, protest those most vulnerable in society,” Saudi said. “Only when our constitution protects the interest of every Libyan will we have a truly Libyan constitution.”
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