In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) emphasized that safeguarding journalists and expanding civic space are fundamental prerequisites for holding transparent elections and rebuilding trust among citizens. The Mission asserted that ending impunity through impartial investigations into assaults against activists is vital to prevent the further erosion of state institutional credibility.
The Mission warned against the misuse of legal frameworks, including counter-terrorism and cybercrime laws, to target dissenting voices, noting that such practices undermine the rule of law. Expressing deep concern over continued reports of arbitrary detentions and harassment of media professionals and human rights defenders nationwide, it urged authorities to uphold international human rights commitments and ensure a secure environment for journalistic activities.
Furthermore, UNSMIL highlighted that silencing critical voices exacerbates instability and widens the public trust gap, maintaining that a free and independent media is an absolute necessity for institutional unification and combating misinformation. The statement concluded by affirming that protecting civic engagement is not only a human rights obligation but also a strategic imperative for achieving a sustainable path toward peace, national unity, and meaningful public participation.