TRIPOLI, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Libyan experts have hold a three-day discussion to review a draft law on combating violence against women, said the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
A group of lawyers, judges, activists and human rights defenders met in Tunis from Wednesday to Friday "to review the draft law on Combating Violence Against Women," the UN agency said in a statement.
The draft law aims to criminalize all forms of violence against women, including cyber violence and online hate speech, and to identify protection and prevention mechanisms as well as define institutional responsibilities, said the statement.
The draft further proposes creating a national commission to combat violence against women and a dedicated trust fund to support victims, it said.
The draft represents a milestone in the protection and promotion of the rights of all women and girls in Libya, in line with international standards and regional best practices, said the statement.
"The 2021 draft will serve to transform the culture of violence against women and girls in Libya. It is the first major step in a long process that requires the draft to be enshrined and fully implemented, ultimately paving the way for the advancement of women's rights in Libya," said UNSMIL chief Jan Kubis.
