The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has issued a call for all Libyan stakeholders to respect and protect freedom of expression, specifically warning against violations that target journalists and civil society members.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 3, to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, the mission emphasized the necessity of a safe environment for media professionals amidst the country’s ongoing political deadlock and institutional fragmentation. The UN highlighted that journalism serves a vital role in combating disinformation and ensuring accountability, noting that the silencing of critical voices only fuels mistrust and extends political instability in a nation that has struggled to organize elections since 2021.
UNSMIL noted that it continues to receive persistent reports of intimidation, judicial harassment, and pressure directed at media professionals and human rights defenders. This trend is effectively shrinking civic space and limiting pluralistic expression within an already divided media landscape. The mission further warned against the misuse of legal provisions—specifically those involving the penal code, cybercrime, and counterterrorism—to restrict legitimate speech and criminalize fundamental freedoms, which undermines the rule of law across Libya’s divided institutions.
To address these issues, the UN called for swift and transparent investigations into attacks, threats, and killings of media actors to end the impunity that drives ongoing violations. UNSMIL urged Libyan authorities to honor international commitments, halt arbitrary detentions, and refrain from using legislation to curb peaceful expression. Ultimately, the mission reiterated that the protection of journalism is essential for civic participation and the organization of credible future elections, while confirming its readiness to support reforms that strengthen media independence.
MK/AK/Sf/lb/abj/APA