Under the policy, all women and girls are directed to fill a detailed form providing personal information, reasons and previous history of traveling without a male guardian. Those who refuse to complete or submit the form are not denied exit.
“Not only is this policy discriminatory, but it also restricts the freedom of movement of women and girls, including students who leave the country to study abroad,” the experts said in a statement.
Rights defenders are afraid
The experts expressed their deep concern about the negative impact of the discriminatory approach on the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls “contrary to Libya’s international and national obligations on non-discrimination, equality and the right to privacy.”
They are also concerned about the reported attempts by the Libyan Internal Security Agency (ISA) to intimidate human rights defenders, including women, who speak out against these policies.
Appeal to the authorities
Experts urge the authorities to withdraw this discriminatory requirement, and stop all intimidation, harassment and attacks against women and human rights defenders protesting against the policy.
“The ban marks a further erosion of the rights of women and girls in Libya and sends the wrong signal,” they said. “Women’s equality and dignity must be ensured.”
The experts who issued the statement were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
They are not UN staff and are unpaid for their work.