A group of 65 young people from southern Libya, including women and representatives from various municipalities, participated in a virtual meeting with Stephanie Khouri, deputy to the UN special envoy to Libya. The meeting, organized by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), aimed to discuss the current situation in Libya and the political process. Participants welcomed the 4+4 agreement signed in Tripoli on August 30, which they see as an opportunity to break the political deadlock and move forward with the country's transition.
The youth representatives emphasized the need for inclusive development and accountability in all regions of Libya. They called for the creation of a national framework for elections, a clear timeline for the electoral process, and a mechanism to monitor progress and ensure accountability. Participants also stressed the importance of increasing the presence of the UN mission in southern regions to ensure that local concerns are addressed and recommendations are implemented.
One participant from Sebha noted that the 4+4 agreement offers a genuine chance to overcome the country's political impasse and push forward with the political roadmap. Another participant emphasized that the agreement represents a glimmer of hope for unifying state institutions, which is crucial for the country's stability. The youth representatives also urged for the involvement of the southern region of Fizan in the political process and an end to the economic and political marginalization it has faced.
The participants recommended that specific seats be allocated to youth within state institutions to ensure their voices are heard and their participation is meaningful. They also called for programs to address youth unemployment, education, and political participation. Stephanie Khouri stated that the UN mission recognizes the importance of engaging youth as active partners in policymaking and decision-making.
Khouri added that the UN mission is committed to supporting youth participation and ensuring that their voices are heard. She emphasized that youth should not only be given seats in any dialogue but should also work together to create a strong network capable of conveying their ideas and demands to national and local authorities.
The meeting's recommendations included the need for a unified approach to the electoral process, support for the High National Elections Commission, and a clear timeline for elections. Participants also called for a mechanism to monitor progress and ensure accountability, as well as increased support for youth, women, and persons with disabilities from southern Libya.
The UN mission's deputy envoy acknowledged the importance of addressing the concerns of southern Libya, particularly in the areas of education, employment, and political participation. The mission's engagement with youth and local communities aims to ensure that their concerns are addressed and their recommendations are implemented.
Key points
- The Libyan youth from the south urged for inclusive development, accountability, and an end to the marginalization of the southern region of Fizan.
- The participants recommended the creation of a national framework for elections, a clear timeline for the electoral process, and a mechanism to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
- The UN mission's deputy envoy emphasized the importance of engaging youth as active partners in policymaking and decision-making.
