More than a decade after the overthrow and death of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is still struggling to find its path to stabilisation, democracy and development. Despite the international diplomatic efforts, and partially due to several international interferences, the North-African country seems to be far from overcoming its internal divisions and still spreads illegality and violence. In this context, the human rights situation and the condition on migration centres remain a source of great concern.

Hence, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have decided to organise a public seminar on ‘Libya: The Way forward - Exploring paths towards democracy and human rights’, on Thursday, 2 June 2022 from 15.00 to 19.00 in the European Parliament in Brussels. Please register now to attend the event. More information and the programme are available on the S&D Group’s website.

The seminar will be held in the presence of representatives from the relevant UN mission, the EU delegation and Libyan political analysts, as well as Libyan human rights defenders and civil society organisations.

The seminar will be structured in three different panels:

• The political situation in Libya and the UN process
• The Human Rights situation: violations and internally displaced persons
• The situation of migrants and detention centres

At 18.00, there will be a screening of the documentary “Libya: no escape from Hell”, by Sara Creta, an Italian journalist and film director, on the situation of migrants and refugees in Libyan detention camps. A cocktail reception will be held at the end of the event.

The whole event will be livestreamed on https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/ and translation will be provided in: EN/FR/IT/ES/PT & Arabic.

S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, Pedro Marques, said:

“During the long civil war, Libyans suffered from violence, dire living conditions and disrespect for human rights. People trying to escape the war became internally displaced or tried to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean sea.

Moreover, during the civil war, the country became a route for migrants and refugees. Many ended up in detention camps where they were victims of all kinds of abuses.

Now, when violence and human rights violations are still a daily reality, political instability is once again threatening the fragile peace.

Libyans deserve peace, security and democracy, just like anyone else, and the EU must be an active contributor to help the country find that path.”

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us by sending an email to s-d.libya@europarl.europa.eu

Journalists are invited to attend the event and can contact Jan.Bernas@europarl.europa.eu for more information.