UN urges Libya’s political leaders to include youth in decision-making process

The United Nations urged political leaders in Libya on Friday to “put in place practical mechanisms for youth inclusion in the decision-making process”.

In a statement commemorating International Youth Day, the U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) pointed out that “youth in Libya are at the center of the protracted crisis and are among those most critically impacted by it.” It also highlighted that young people in the country have expressed “unprecedented interest in public and political affairs and are actively contributing to building a freer, more socially just and democratic society.”

“More than half of those who registered to vote in 2021 were between the ages of 18 and 30, and a number of youth have put themselves forward as candidates for the parliamentary and presidential elections, that was scheduled to take place in 24 December 2021,” said the U.N. Mission.

UNSMIL quoted its Acting Head of Mission, Raisedon Zenenga, who called on political leaders to “put in place practical mechanisms for youth inclusion in the decision-making process and heed their call not only for elections, but also for stability and all the economic and social growth that comes along with it.

“The Mission’s top priority now is to provide assistance and expertise to Libyan parties to address the political stalemate and move forward to credible and inclusive national elections as soon as possible, based on a solid constitutional framework,” said Zenenga. “It is time for all – including youth – to put differences aside and come together for a brighter and prosperous future for Libya.”