The European Union Delegation to Libya issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission to Libya and Head of Mission of Canada

The Delegation of the European Union, the EU Heads of Mission to Libya and the Head of Mission of Canada remain strongly committed to promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and men, girls and boys. We support the Libyan women in their demand for equal access to rights that lead to more stable, prosperous, and resilient societies; such as rights to education, equal opportunities for work, and equal representation in public and political life. We recognize the outstanding example given by Libyan female entrepreneurs, academics, health personnel, and many others to Libyan youth. We call for the application of Libyan laws protecting women's rights, and encourage the adoption of laws addressing remaining inequalities. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The resolution acknowledges the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls, and continues to be relevant also for Libya. Nearly 200,000 girls and women have been displaced because of the conflict and almost 18,000 women and girls registered as refugees and asylum seekers need protection. We recall the EU sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on the elimination of all forms of violence against women as well as the UN Rules on the treatment of Women Prisoners recognizing the special needs of women in detention and protecting their rights. 

We reaffirm our strong condemnation of all forms of violence against women and girls and to hold all those responsible for violations accountable. Our thoughts go to Salwa Bougaighis and other female victims of the violence that has marred Libya's recent history. Today, we reiterate our call for the immediate release of House of Representatives member Mrs. Siham Sergiwa and call upon the relevant authorities to assume their responsibility and investigate her abduction.

Resolution 1325 and subsequent Security Council resolutions call for inclusion of women and their views to peace processes. Today, we remind all parties of their responsibility to end the conflict immediately, resume political dialogue and seek for a sustainable peace that cannot be achieved without the full participation of women at decision-making levels in the Libyan conflict resolution and peace process.