Addressing gender-based violence in Libya

UNDP, UNSMIL and Ministry of Interior join forces to address gender-based violence in Libya

Tripoli Security Directorate’s investigative police and representatives of the Tripoli Security Directorate’s Women’s Police Department and Family and Child Protection Unit are taking part in a two-day training workshop on how to integrate a gender perspective in their work to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV). Policing and Security Joint Programme (PSJP) Libya Initiative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)and coordinate with the Ministries of Justice and Interior.

Participants will be able to apply this perspective when reporting on and conducting work to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and to assist ongoing investigations by providing the necessary knowledge, tools and skills.

The PSJP was established in Tripoli in 2017 to develop more community-oriented policing and people-centred rule of law services, and to strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms in Libya

At the opening ceremony, Abdul Hakim Sammoud, deputy chief of Tripoli’s security agency, said:

“Monitoring forms of domestic violence is one of the duties of the Ministry of the Interior to maintain social peace and security. Through the Women’s Police Station and the Family and Child Protection Department, the Ministry handles cases of domestic violence with the help of experts. In addition, it supports initiatives aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence and improving the skills of its staff in law enforcement and response to violence.”

“Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights are cornerstones of UNDP’s work to achieve structural transformation for sustainable human development. Gender-based violence should end and we are working with our partners to achieve this in Libya,” said Mr. Gerardo Noto, UNDP Resident Representative in Libya.

Italy, the United States, the Netherlands and Germany are supporting security, policing and the rule of law in Libya through the PSJP initiative.

By strengthening the capacity of the Libyan judiciary, police, prosecutors and prison services, partners are contributing to the delivery of expeditious justice in Libya in accordance with internationally recognized legal norms/procedures.

(Source: United Nations)