UNSMIL calls for immediate release of MP Siham Sergewa

Libyan Cloud News Agency – Tripoli

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called for the immediate release of the elected member of the House of Representatives, Siham Sergewa.

In a statement on Friday, January 17, UNSMIL said it continues to follow up on the enforced disappearance of MP Sergewa. It reiterated that the authorities in eastern Libya are responsible for respecting international human rights law and are legally obliged to establish the fate and whereabouts of Sergewa.

“Sergewa’s enforced disappearance constitutes an attempt to silence one of Libya’s prominent female voices and to intimidate others seeking to participate in the country’s political life,” UNSMIL added.

The statement of UNSMIL also indicated that violence against women in politics threatens gender equality and the building of robust and resilient democratic institutions.

MP Siham Sergewa was seized from her house in Benghazi six months ago. Her fate is still unknown.