Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
In Libya, UN Calls For Greater Role Of Civil Society
New York, Dec 28 2011 4:10PM
Civil society must play an
important role in Libya’s political transition in the wake
of its civil war, the United Nations top envoy to the
country said as he visited two towns in Libya’s Nafousa
Mountains region.
As part of his series of ongoing visits to towns and areas across the country, Ian Martin, the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), visited the towns of Al-Zintan and Yefren on 24 December, where he met with members of the local and military councils as well as representatives of Libyan civil society, including youth and women organizations.
During the meetings, Mr. Martin exchanged views on how UNSMIL and other UN agencies could better assist the Libyans during their transition to elected government.
He stressed the need for election preparations, the integration of rebel fighters into Government jobs, addressing the legacy of human rights violations and current human rights issues and enhancing the participation of Libyan civil society within the national political dialogue.
“Certainly the United Nations here in Libya will always be open to hear the views of civil society,” said Mr. Martin, who is also the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the country. “Libyans have made this revolution and Libyans will now make the new Libya,” he added.
Libya’s interim government, the National Transitional Council, has declared its commitment to holding its first election within eight months – a challenging timeline in a country where there has been limited or no electoral experience in over 45 years.
The UN has continued to stress that for credible
elections for a National Congress to be held by June 2012
early decisions have to be made on a range of issues. These
include the electoral system, the eligibility of candidates
and voters, and the authority, composition and appointment
of the electoral commission.
Dec 28 2011
4:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News
Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
ENDS
Government of Vanuatu: At The ICJ, The Global South Has Presented A World Of Climate Change Impacts & A Dire Need For Climate Justice
OACPS: OACPS Statement On Members’ Testimony During First Week Of Landmark ICJ Climate Case
UN News: Guterres Upholds UN Commitment To A Smooth And Inclusive Transition In Syria
Sonali Kolhatkar, IMI: Time For Truthful Narratives On Immigration
World Vision: Syrians In Massive Humanitarian Need As Regime Change Leads To Surge In Displacement, Warns World Vision
UN News: Human Rights Day - 5 Key Things To Know