A United Nations delegation, led by the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya, traveled to Sebha Monday to meet with southern government officials, tribal notables, academics, community-based organizations, women and youth, according to UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The trip builds on SRSG Abdoulaye Bathily’s efforts, in his first month in Libya, to listen to people from across the country about how the UN can best support a Libyan-led solution to the political stalemate. The SRSG, who is also the head of UNSMIL, visited Benghazi and Sirte in October, UNSMIL said in a statement Tuesday.
“The stability and security of the south is vital for the stability and security of the whole country,” SRSG Bathily said. “I was keen to come to Sebha as early as possible because I recognize the south’s importance and unique challenges.”
The focal point of the SRSG’s program was a town hall meeting, during which he discussed with southerners the path toward elections, sustainable stability, territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Libya. Participants demanded respect for human rights and the release of political detainees and stressed the importance of the transparent management of public resources during the country’s reconstruction, the statement pointed out.
Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, joined the mission with the heads of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Libya, it added.
The DSRSG/RC/HC and the UN Agency heads met with municipal officials and civil society organizations to discuss how the UN can further support local peace-building efforts, enhance social cohesion and create sustainable livelihoods in the south, especially for women and youth, according to the Mission.