The UN mission calls on all parties in Libya to respect and protect freedom of expression

Tripoli, May 3, 2026 (LANA) – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called on all Libyan parties to respect and protect freedom of expression and to ensure that journalists and members of civil society, both men and women, throughout the country can exercise their rights without fear of intimidation, harassment, arrest, or reprisals.

In a statement issued on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3, UNSMIL said that providing a free, independent, and safe media environment is not an option, but an absolute necessity. The mission emphasized that journalists and civil society have a vital role in monitoring and documenting developments across the country, conveying people's concerns, combating disinformation, and holding institutions and actors accountable.

The UN mission added that silencing these voices only deepens public distrust and prolongs instability.

The mission noted that members of the structured dialogue—a key component of the political roadmap facilitated by the mission—have repeatedly stressed that freedom of expression, civic space, and the safety of journalists are essential prerequisites for holding fair and inclusive elections and for rebuilding trust between institutions and citizens. It also noted that civic space in Libya continues to face significant pressure.

The mission expressed its deep concern regarding ongoing reports of intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, prosecution, and reprisals targeting journalists, human rights defenders, civil society activists, and dissenting voices.

According to the mission, the use of provisions of the Libyan Penal Code and the laws on combating cybercrime and terrorism to restrict legitimate freedom of expression threatens to criminalize freedom of expression and undermine the rule of law.

The mission called for a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into all allegations of attacks, threats, and killings, and for the perpetrators of these crimes to be held accountable. It stressed that impunity for these violations is unacceptable and further erodes public trust in state institutions.

The UN mission also called for an immediate end to arbitrary arrests, harassment, and attacks, both online and in everyday life, and for an end to the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress peaceful expression. It urged all authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and to take concrete steps to protect journalists and ensure a safe and enabling environment for the media and civil society.

The mission stated that protecting press freedom in Libya is both a fundamental human rights obligation and a strategic imperative. Without it, there can be no effective public participation, no credible electoral process, and no sustainable path to peace, stability, and unity.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed its readiness to support relevant Libyan stakeholders in advancing reforms that protect freedom of expression and strengthen an independent, professional, and resilient media sector.

...(LANA)...