Libya is grappling with an alarming and unprecedented wave of violence against women and girls across its cities, prompting increasing local and international warnings regarding the severity of the situation and the escalating abuse. This surge is attributed to political division, the proliferation of weapons, and institutional fragility. These developments have compelled officials and international organisations to demand broad legislative reform and the activation of a comprehensive protection system to halt the cycle of attacks.
Recent horrific incidents of violence have shocked the Libyan public, notably the murder of blogger Khansa Al-Majahed in Tripoli, the killing of a woman in Misrata by her brother, and the discovery of a girl from Ajdabiya held captive in dire circumstances. These crimes fuelled public outrage, prompting renewed action from the UN Mission.
In the context of legal reform, local and international experts have called for closing legal loopholes. Hanna Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, stressed the necessity of adopting the draft law protecting women from violence prepared by Libyan experts, to ensure its alignment with international standards. She also cautioned against the rising abuse directed at women online.
For its part, Human Rights Watch urged constitution drafters to include protections for women and repeal all discriminatory legislation. The organisation affirmed that combating gender-based violence requires a comprehensive response to discrimination, noting that Libya’s obligations under international conventions, including the Maputo Protocol, mandate effective prevention and accountability measures. The organisation also warned that the current Penal Code still allows for reduced sentences in honour crimes, while the adultery law conflates rape with consensual relations, effectively turning victims into defendants and, in some settlements, opening the door for the victim to be married to the perpetrator. Furthermore, HRW highlighted the continued involuntary detention of women and girls in “social rehabilitation” centres.
Conversely, the House of Representatives (HoR) held an expanded meeting to discuss the Arab Strategy for Protection from Family Violence, positioning it as a preliminary step toward drafting a national law to combat family violence in accordance with Islamic Sharia. Attendees emphasised the necessity of establishing a dedicated Family Court, amending personal status laws, and unifying the efforts of the Ministries of Endowments, Justice, Education, Information, and Interior to address the phenomenon and counter the negative influence of social media.
At the executive level, Intisar Abboud, the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in the Libyan Government, confirmed that her ministry receives daily complaints regarding violence, threats, and exploitation. However, she noted that the lack of a defined ministerial portfolio and limited financial resources hinder the ministry’s capacity for rapid intervention and providing genuine protection. Conversely, Houriya Al-Tarmal, the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in the Government of National Unity, issued directives to enhance the readiness of women’s and children’s protection centres, ensuring a prompt response to reports and safeguarding the family fabric.
Analysing the phenomenon, social experts asserted that violence is rooted in a social system that reproduces male dominance and perpetuates a culture of normalising abuse, making legal reform, awareness campaigns, and psychological support urgent necessities. Additionally, Hanan Al-Sharif, Head of the Libyan Organisation for Human Rights, noted that violence has transformed into a recurrent phenomenon ranging from domestic abuse to extortion, threats, and ultimately murder. She stated that weak security, the proliferation of arms, a decline in ethical standards, and a lack of deterrence have all contributed to a pervasive culture of impunity. She further underscored that compounded economic and social pressure makes Libyan women more susceptible to exploitation.
Experts and officials, both local and international, agree that the continued absence of legal and security reform will widen the circle of violence and threaten social peace. They conclude that protecting women is a national, humanitarian, and religious imperative that cannot be postponed, achievable only through clear legislation, robust institutions, and a society that rejects silence in the face of crimes targeting half its population.
