HumanitarianResponse



Interagency Gender based violence Action Plan for LibyaBackground Libya continues to witness protracted conflicts since the so-called Arab spring that started on 15 February 2011. This has so far caused untold suffering including grave human rights violation among civilians, including migrants. In the last 12 months only, the ongoing conflict and ensuing instabilities has directly affected an estimated 1.62 million people. According to the latest UN and partner’s needs analysis, 1.1 million people, of whom 453,000, are women of reproductive age (15-49) are in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance. As of August 2017, there were still around 217,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), while some 278,000 people returned to their places of origin and over 400,000 migrants/refugees/asylum seekers. The most affected are migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons particularly female-headed households, pregnant women and children. Although the UN–backed internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) is functioning, its authority is still unclear as specific rival groups have not agreed on specific details and therefore continue to compete for legitimacy and control over resources and infrastructure. The deteriorating insecurity also led to the exodus of aid workers and suspension of development programs in 2014. These included the UN mission in Libya, UN bodies and International organizations now operating remotely from neighboring Tunisia via local partners. However, following the lifting of the evacuation ban early February plans are underway for UN agencies to move their base back to Libya. In addition, an estimated 2.5 million migrant workers and 8,648 refugees hosted in Libya prior to the so-called Arab Spring and the ensuing instabilities. The majority of these migrants and refugees were engaged in a range of sectors, including agriculture, health, construction and commercial activities, and thereby complemented the national workforce. As of end of 2011, it is estimated that almost 800,000 people, including migrant workers, have fled the country. Today, over 400,000 migrants/refugees/asylum seekers are in Libya but are particularly exposed to abuse and human rights violations as proliferating rent-seeking armed groups engage in smuggling, trafficking and exploitation. There are about 19 known detention centres, estimated to host about 2.5% of the total migrants and refugees in Libya. A huge number of these populations are spread in urban areas with limited access to services and supportThe armed groups on all sides continue to take hostages, carry out unlawful killings, torture and forced disappearances, including of civilians. Individuals are targeted on the basis of family or tribal identity, gender, affiliations and political opinions, as well as for ransom or prisoner exchange. The threat of violence and insecurity has led to multiple displacements in Libya. There are about 30 informal settlements and collective centres hosting the IDPs in Libya. According to the DTM IDP and returnee report, Jan-Feb 2018, there were still around 165,478 internally displaced persons (IDPs), while some 341, 534 people returned to their places of origin. 46% of the IDPs are in the west, 40% in the east and 14% in the south of Libya. In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Libya, women, girls and boys are the most at risk of sexual violence. A recent GBV situational analysis conducted in Libya reports close male relatives, such as spouses, fathers, and brothers as perpetrators. A similar study on violence against children in Libya reveals other children in school as the frequent perpetrators of sexual violence, with 16% of children in the sample reporting being subjected to sexual violence by another child in their school. A substantial minority of children also reported being subjected to sexual violence perpetrated by family members (9%), teachers (9%) and other adults (9%). Among the migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, smugglers, traffickers, criminal gangs, individuals and some cases the police and guards associated with the Ministry of Interior are implicated as perpetrators of rape and other forms of sexual violence. The GBV situational study further reports 14% of survey respondents interviewed perceiving sexual violence as common or very common while 49% and 34% reported marriage of an individual younger than 20 years and physical assault respectively as common or very common. In a similar assessment conducted in schools, of the 2,887 students who completed the questionnaire, 39% or more than 1 in 3 students reported to have experienced some form of sexual violence, as measured in the survey, 35% reported being victims of unwanted touching, 18% of children reported having been subject to sexual comments or advances that made them uncomfortable, 6% reported having been a victim of rape, and 11% of children reported that a teacher in their school had previously offered them grades , money or another favour in exchange for sex (with an additional 13% of children saying that they knew of this happening to a friend). According to the IOM assessment in Italy conducted between February-July 2017 among the migrants, 36% and 32% of adults and children interviewed respectively, reported having observed someone travelling with them being threatened with sexual violence during their journey. 93% of the cases are reported to have taken place in Libya. The high risks of rape that Libya posses to migrant women seem to be well known among smugglers and traffickers. For instance, Women and girls have been advised by smugglers and traffickers in Sudan to take three months contraceptive injection before departure. In the last one-month, GBV partners in Libya, have reported a notable increase in the number of migrant male survivors of rape. In general, women, men and children are not held separately in detention centres and in some cases; women have been subjected to strip searches under the scrutiny of male guards. The armed groups in Libya continue to dominate the smuggling and trafficking business. 86% of women in Libya reported that they travelled with only one smuggler from the start of their journey. Among the men interviewed, 67% report having journeyed with one smuggler. Local NGOs in Sabha report that up to 10% of women smuggled or trafficked are under 18 years with the arrival of girls as young as 18 years recorded in the second quarter of 2017. In addition, 1 out of 10 women who report human rights violations during their journey to 4Mi monitors report forced labour and forced prostitution. Women and girls are approached in their countries of origin with the promise of a stable job in Europe, smuggled into Libya and then forced into sex trade. Humanitarian organizations working with migrants in Libya report that woman are at high risk of forced prostitution when they develop debt bondage.The existence of discriminative laws in Libya undermines access to justice as victims of sexual assault can be prosecuted under Libya’s criminal law for engaging in extra-marital affairs thus discouraging survivors from seeking justice in the first place. This is because sexual violence in the penal code is treated as a crime against the victim’s ‘honor’ rather than violation of bodily integrity. This may serve to undermine justice by leading the Libyan courts to focus on the victims’ sexual history and ‘honor’ rather than the alleged violence committed. In addition, the provisions of article 424 of the penal code encourage perpetrators to marry their victims in order to have the penalties and offences extinguished. This is necessitated by the need to protect the victims from social stigma and marginalization. Further, there is a widespread stigma associated with being a victim of GBV, and victims of violence often become outcasts in their family and community. In addition, the lack of freedom of movement and the need to seek permission from men, further limits women access to services. For instance, according to a recent GBV situational analysis conducted in Jadu, women mentioned they could not access services related to their sexual and reproductive health without bringing a close male relative with them. This is especially an issue in cases where the perpetrator is a close male relative (e.g. husband, father or brother). Recent GBV service mapping conducted in Libya indicate a general lack of specialized multi-sectoral GBV services including specialized case management and psychosocial support, clinical management of rape, safety and security and legal justice services for survivors of GBV. Currently, only two agencies are providing specialized GBV case management services available in 4 out of the 22 Mantikas. In addition, CMR services are only provided in 11 Mantikas while legal justice services are only provided in 2 Mantikas for children. However legal aid services for adult survivors is not available. GBV services are completed absent in 10 Mantikas namely; Derna, Ejdabia, Murzuq, Ghat, Nalut, Zwara, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Wadi, Ashanti and Al Jabal Al Gharbi. There is also very little knowledge by community members about the available limited GBV services in Libya. According to a recent GBV situational analysis, the percentage of respondents who knew about activities specifically targeting women and girls was as low as 5% in Sirte. In Benghazi only 4% of the respondents knew about activities specifically targeting women and girls.UNFPA led the establishment of the Gender Based Violence working group for Libya in February 2018, in collaboration with and in support of various protection partners in Libya, including, UN agencies, INGOs, NGOs and the relevant Libyan Government line ministries. The working group is being co-led by CESVI and aims at ensuring effective coordination for GBV survivors and other vulnerable groups among migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs and the Host communities in Libya have safe and timely access to services and mechanisms put in place to prevent and mitigate risks of GBV.? The sub-sector membership for the Tunis led group include; UNFPA, UNHCR, UNSMIL, IOM, UN Women, UNICEF, IRC, IMC, ACTED, CESVI, CIR, CEFA and INTERSOS. The terms of reference of the working group was endorsed on 21 February 2018. Furthermore, On 14th February 2018, UNFPA organized a one-day workshop in Tunis through which the GBV coordination architecture was discussed in detail. Key Libyan government line ministries, including the Ministry of Social affairs, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Health representatives, members of two national NGOs, protection partners and donors attended the workshop, which was facilitated by the Regional Emergency GBV Advisors (REGA). A key outcome of the workshop included the immediate launch of the Tunis based GBV sub-sector working group and a sub-working group inside Tripoli. Against this backdrop, the GBV sub-sector organized a two-day workshop in Tripoli to present the TORs, the priority needs and actions plans recently discussed in Tunis and launch of a sub-working group in Tripoli. UNFPA, UNHCR and the Ministry of Social Affairs organized the workshop jointly. Owing to the sensitivities around GBV related issues and the need to ensure acceptance and accountability by the Libyan government line ministries and local associations, UNFPA continues to consult widely and advocates for the Ministry of Social Affairs to shadow the chair role of the sub-sector at the field level, with UNFPA providing technical support for the leadership role. In addition, the sub-sector recommends the identification of a local NGO to shadow the co-lead role with technical support provided by CESVI (current co-lead in the Tunis led working group). This would ensure capacity building and sustainability in the long run over a period of time. We envisage that this capacity building approach would strengthen capacities of local actors. Furthermore, the approach would facilitate swift transition from humanitarian to development in which the Ministry of Social Affairs and the designated local NGO would assume the leadership role of the GBV sub-sector working group in Libya. The sub-working groups will be more operational at the field level ensuring coordination for safe and timely access to GBV services and prevention activities, while the Tunis led Working Group will focus broadly on the strategic and advisory responsibilities until Humanitarian partners fully relocate to Libya. In the near future, the TORs will be revised accordingly to constitute one operational Tripoli led group and a strategic advisory group established to provide advisory and strategic direction to the working group. During the two day workshop, attended by 50 participants representing the civil society organizations, UN agencies and the Ministry of Social Affairs, it was apparent that there is need to invest more on building the capacity of the civil society organization and key line ministries on caring for GBV survivors. A two-hour session on GBV basic concepts and principles provided during the workshop was a clear indication that a comprehensive training is needed to ensure the GBV basic concepts and principles are better understood as a starting point towards building a strong network of civil society organizations in GBV response and prevention in Libya. It was also noted that, trainings through translations from English to Arabic is not effective as a lot of useful information is lost during translations considering that the translators are not also familiar with the jargon used in GBV programming. There is however huge interest among the civil society organizations on GBV response and prevention as depicted by their active participation during the workshop and their request for a more comprehensive training. In a recent capacity needs assessment completed by the GBV sub-sector working group, 80% of the GBV partners have requested for GBV specialized trainings for their staff including case management.Purpose The GBV working group is mandated to develop an interagency GBV action plan for coordination, prevention and response to GBV. The action plans provides a vision for comprehensive GBV programming by identifying common objectives, priority activities, responsibilities for different partners and indicators to measure the set objectives. In addition the action plan increases accountability of the GBV working group by linking coordination functions to GBV programming efforts. This document therefore stipulates the process of developing a national action plan through which regional action plans will be tailored due to the dynamics in different Mantikas/municipalities.StrategyThis document outlines the collective responsibility and coordinated approach towards multi-sectoral GBV response and prevention in Libya. The uniqueness of the Libyan context, characterized by the presence of the mixed migration groups, i.e migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and the internally displaced populations spread across Libya calls for multi-faceted model of programming to meet the complex needs of the populations in need. As noted above only 2.5% of migrants are held in detention centres while a huge population are scattered in various cities such as Sebha, Ubari, Gharian, Murzuq, Bani Waleed, Rebyana, Tazerbu, Kufra. The known detention centres include; Zwara, Sabratha melita, Shuhada Alnaser, Al Hamra, Oasr Bin Ghasheer, Janzour, Triq Al Matar, Triq Al Sekka, Tajoura, Alkhums, Zliten, Al Kararim, Mitiga, Tubrek, Shahat, Ganfouda, Ajdabia and Al Kufra. The tables below show the Baladiyas in Libya currently hosting the highest number of IDPs and returnees in Libya. Top 10 Baladiyas hosting IDPs in Libya According to the DTM IDP and returnee report, Jan-Feb 2018, there were still around 165,478 internally displaced persons (IDPs), while some 341,534 people returned to their places of origin. 46% of the IDPs are in the west, 40% in the east and 14% in the south of Libya. Baladiyas hosting returnees 63% of IDPs returned to their homes in 2016 and 37% in 2017. Out of this, 52% returned to the east, 39% to the west and 9% to the south.Ongoing displacements continue to be witnessed in Libya over the last 6 months. Notably, Following the Presidency Council’s decree of 26 December 2017 indicating the start date for the return process, IDP families from the east, south and west of Libya attempted to return to Tawergha on 1 February. Armed groups, apparently opposing their return, blocked them from entering the city. Since then, IDPs have been gathering in the area of Qararat al Qataf (some 50 km southwest of Tawergha), in the city of Tarhuna (65 km southeast of Tripoli) and in Harawa (east of Sirte). Currently, more than 2,200 individuals are reported to be in Qararat Al- Katf and Harawa informal settlements. While a considerable number of families are reported to be in Qararat Al-Katf, only 18 families have been observed in Harawa. The current population of Harawa consists of mostly unaccompanied male adults, which accounts for the discrepancy between the number of families and the high number of individuals Qararat settlement hosts, 437 families, 2,038 individuals (596 children, 702 adult males and 740 adult females) Harawa settlement- 18 families, 223 individuals (37 children, 151 adult male and 35 adult females). Furthermore, a dispute broke armed groups in the south east of Sabha city in the area around the airport (Cahera district) following an ongoing struggle to control sensitive areas of influence in the city. Conflict has a renewed a historical tribal feud between Awlad Suleiman and Toubu taking a political angle thus blaming external involvement of armed groups backed by neighboring countries. This has led to accusations against migrants and minority groups and minority groups accused to fighting alongside the external groups. The conflict broke out in a densely populated area forcing many families to flee to safer areas. A flash update released by DTM/IOM on 8 March reported that as a result of continued armed clashes in the city of Sebha, 720 households (approximately 3,600 individuals) have been displaced to Al Minshiyah (530 HH), Sakra-Mahdia (140 HH) within Sebha municipality and Ubari (50 HH). While the vast majority of IDPs (530 HH) are hosted in public buildings in Al Minshiya, the remaining 190 HH are being hosted by residents in Sakra, Mahdia and Ubari.GBV response and prevention frameworkTo address the gaps in GBV response and prevention among the mixed populations IDPs and returnees in Libya, GBV programming will adapt a two-tier model. These include the multi-sectoral and multi-level models in emergency and post emergency while considering the humanitarian-development nexus for comprehensive programming based on the needs that have been analyzed from recent GBV related assessments conducted in Libya. The multi-sectoral model In recognition that no single agency can meet the multiple needs of GBV survivors, the multi-sectoral model envisions availability of comprehensive GBV response services ranging from health services, psychosocial support services, safety and security services and legal justice. For the multi-sectoral model of programming to be implemented, GBV partners in Libya have to address the following needs and gaps identified during recent GBV related assessments. Few specialized GBV services available limiting survivors access to safe and timely careAs stated above, there is a general lack of specialized multi-sectoral GBV services including specialized case management and psychosocial support, clinical management of rape, safety and security and legal justice services for survivors of GBV. Currently, only two agencies are providing specialized GBV case management services available in 4 out of the 22 Mantikas. In addition, CMR services are only provided in 11 Mantikas while legal justice services are only provided in 2 Mantikas for children. However legal aid services for adult survivors is not available. GBV services are completed absent in 10 Mantikas namely; Derna, Ejdabia, Murzuq, Ghat, Nalut, Zwara, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Wadi, Ashanti and Al Jabal Al Gharbi. In response to the detention centres and new displacement sites, provision of comprehensive case management services might be difficult considering that the caseworkers may only see the survivor once. This is also the case in the urban areas hosting the migrants as they are usually only in transit and in most cases using “organised journeys” offered by transnational and structured smuggling networks. As a result, it is difficult for them to reach support organizations. Strategic interventiona.1) Expand provision of life saving services for GBV survivors GBV partners are seeking to expand GBV services in accessible locations including provision of life saving CMR services. In addition, case management and psychosocial support and legal justice services are required in almost all the priority Mantikas. These include locations with the highest number of IDPs, returnees, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, these services will also be provided in detention centers. In order to support the reintegration process, establishment of women centres outside the IDP camps is recommended to enable access by both the host communities, IDPs, migrants and refugees. At the detention centres GBV partners to consider regular joint mobile interventions to provide integrated GBV related services. In addition, GBV partners to consider initiatives for working with male survivors. Limited access to protection related services including GBV by migrantsIt is noted that West Africans, Eritreans, Somalis and Ethiopians are usually only in transit through the South, in most cases using ''organized journeys'' offered by transitional and structured smuggling networks. As a result it is difficult for them to reach supporting organizations, and are at particular risk of trafficking. Number of women migrants is underestimated. This is because of the pre-arranged and guided journeys, quick transit in the so called 'connection houses and 'Ghettos' which are difficult to access and lack of freedom of movement for women and girls when they are in Libya. These women remain invisible and therefore inaccessible for protection services. However data on the high number of women migrants in Libya remains scarce. IOM has reported that access and support to women who might be victims of trafficking remains challenging even upon their arrival in Italy. Women with irregular status risk abuses and dire living conditions in detention but also lead a secluded life when not in detention. Migrant women therefore rely heavily on the assistance of male kins and middlemen in order to gain access to basic services and consumption of goods, as they tend to increase their invisibility in the public sphere. This is seen as either a coping strategy or enforced on them. Strategic interventionb.1) Identify and build a network of local organizations accessing major migration routes detention centres and urban migrants Only 2.5% of migrants are held in detention centres. A huge percentage is spread across urban areas but is particularly invisible including those in transit. Identifying and building the capacity of local organizations that have access to the migrants to provide psychosocial support services, information dissemination and distribution of material assistance including dignity kits is vital. Local organizations have better knowledge of the context and can rely on their own networks to reach out to the migrants and provide services. Lack of freedom to access health services and Male accompaniment to health facilitiesAccording to a recent GBV situational analysis conducted in Jadu, women mentioned they could not access services related to their sexual and reproductive health without bringing a close male relative with them. This is especially an issue in cases where the perpetrator is a close male relative (e.g. husband, father or brother). The freedom to access health services, without needing permission or being accompanied, is especially crucial in cases of GBV, where these requirements might be used to hinder victims from receiving the medical examination needed for a medical report, which in turn is a prerequisite for reporting a crime to the police. According to the women in Jadu, no precautions are taken to allow for patient’s privacy and neither girls nor women are free to independently access services related to their sexual and reproductive health. It is mandatory that a husband or other male relative accompany the woman or girl. The only support women can get when having suffered GBV, is family or community-related. The female participants pointed out that they could talk to their tribal chiefs.Strategic intervention c.1) Provide SRH services at the women and girls friendly spaces The women and girls friendly spaces provide a safe and conducive environment for women and girls to meet on a regular basis to discuss their challenges, safeties concerns and learn from existing life skills activities. Integration of SRH package services including the provision of CMR services within the women centres would necessitate women and girls access to services. Lack of privacy and confidentiality and necessary post rape care drugs in health facilities, long distance to health facilities, high cost of treatment and low number of staff with adequate skills in the health facilitiesThere is a general lack of confidentiality in the facilities, preventing women from accessing services. According to a recent GBV situational analysis, a female IDP stated that the health services are missing drugs and medical equipment for routine services but are provided in cases of emergencies or more complex services, such as surgeries. Generally, there is a low level of official reporting of gender-based violence. One participant acknowledged that HIV tests and treatments for HIV patients are both expensive and not-widely available. Male participants of the FGDs in Ubari mentioned that both hospitals and clinics in the region were lacking financial means, medical staff and equipment. HIV testing is missing. Facilities and drugs for the treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are also rare. Ubari has no clinics that provide professional health care for women. Facilities and drugs for the treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are also rare. In Ubari, according to the recent GBV situational analysis, to receive adequate health services, women must travel 30 kilometres to the nearest private clinic, which is unaffordable for a lot of people. In Sebha, the number of doctors is small, the facilities cannot meet the demand for health services and most health centers are overcrowded. The poor health services in southern Sabha, where facilities are lacking capacity and resources to conduct even simple medical procedures, force women to travel long distances to the northern areas of the region. There are also too few reproductive health doctors and prenatal Labs.Strategic intervention d.1) Advocate for provision of free CMR services at the health facilities Liaising with the health sector to conduct facility level CMR audits and provide targeted recommendations including support towards improving privacy of survivor, capacity building on CMR, enhancing confidentiality and regular supply and monitoring usage of post rape care kits. Lack of documentation and data on GBV related incidentsGBV incidents are widely underreported. The culture of impunity, tolerance and silence is deeply rooted in the notion that incidents of GBV such as domestic violence are regarded a private matter such that family and community members are not required to intervene. Other help seeking barriers include fear of retaliation and the general lack of trust among service providers indicating that no action will be taken even if they reported. The collapsed infrastructure including health facilities, which have been damaged, and fragile security situation for legal justice has also immensely contributed to very little data collected on GBV to inform humanitarian actors of the magnitude of the problem. The GBVIMS has not been rolled out in Libya though two agencies are currently utilizing the GBVIMS forms. The health facilities do not also have records on GBV related incidents.Strategic interventione.1) Assess feasibility of rolling out GBVIMs at the agency or interagency levelsAssessing the safety and security concerns related to collecting non-identifying GBV related data, Identification of data gathering organizations (DGOs) and capacity building on case management and GBVIMs or Primero is recommended to enhance collection, storage and analysis of GBV related data to advise on programming and advocacy based on trends. Inhuman conditions at the detention centres including the lack of privacy and dignity for migrant womenIn general, women, men and children are not held separately in detention centres, and in some cases women have been subjected to strip searches under the scrutiny of male guards. Migrants have described being taken by armed men, including DCIM guards, from their shared cells to be repeatedly raped by multiple perpetrators, sometimes in front of their children. Strategic interventionf.1) Initiate screening for GBV survivors at disembarkation points and in detention centres for patients seeking medical treatment.Due to fear and stigma associated with incidents of GBV coupled with the lack of trust and fear of reprisal, medical service providers to consider screening for GBV survivors among patients seeking medical services through a set of ethical questions integrated in the history taking forms. This would enable clinicians to detect potential survivors thus necessitating the provision of additional information about availability of CMR services. Limited funding for GBV ProgrammingIn the 2017 HRP, protection received only 10% of the consolidated funds appeal. Out of the $19.28m proposed, only $1.9m was received for allocation to general protection, child protection, GBV and mine action. A huge $ 17.9m remained unmet. With limited funding, GBV services have remained extremely low while the needs have continued to grow. This further impedes the functions of the GBV sub-sector working group. As of today, few partners are implementing GBV related activities in Libya because of limited funding.Strategic intervention g.1) Develop targeted joint advocacy notes to appeal for funding Based on emerging needs and gaps, GBV partners to consider monthly/quarterly funding advocacy notes to potential donors. In addition, the GBV sub-sector to produce and share monthly updates including establishment of interactive dashboards accessible by donors. Lack of GBV coordination mechanism at the field levelIn the absence of coordination structures, GBV services in Libya will remain fragmented and weak further putting the lives of the conflict affected populations to higher risks.Strategic interventionh.1) Identify and build the capacity of civil society organizations including MOSA to lead field level GBV coordination mechanisms.Ongoing capacity building required among civil society organizations on the GBV coordination architecture and funding allocation to initiate and sustain GBV coordination at the field level. Multi-level Model The need to focus on prevention of GBV incidents necessitates the adoption of the multi-level model in Libya. As the country continue to witness pockets of conflicts, GBV partners will prioritize information dissemination sessions to ensure community members are aware of the types of GBV incidents and where they can access life saving services. In the long run and as the security situation improves and a return to normalcy is witnessed, GBV partners will initiate behavior change interventions meant to change society norms, attitudes and perception towards GBV. To implement GBV programs using the multi-level model, the following needs and gaps need to be addressed. Breakdown of the rule of lawThe lack of rule in Libya due to the ongoing conflict and political instability has been identified as a push factor for migrants attempt to reach Europe. Indeed about 44% of migrants intend to remain in Libya either permanently or at least temporarily. Libya adopted a constitution in 1951 but after the 1969 military coup, no new constitution was promulgated. The absence of a constitution from 1969 to 2011 negatively affected the rule of law and was a source of legal instability and state fragmentation. The Libyan Constitutional Declaration (interim Libyan Constitution) was issued in 2011 by the National Transition Council and is still in force. Article 7 of the constitution states: “Human rights and basic freedoms shall be respected by the State. The State shall commit itself to join the international and regional declarations and charters, which protect such rights and freedoms. The State shall endeavor to promulgate new charters that shall honor the human being as being God's successor on earth”. In 2010, a law was adopted on combating irregular migration which allowed the indefinite detention, forced labour and deportation of those considered irregular aliens on the Libyan territory. The absence of legal protection for irregular migrants makes women particularly vulnerable to abuse and forced labour.Libya does not have a legislation setting out the age of sexual consent, as marriage is required before sexual relations are permitted. The minimum age of marriage is required before sexual relations are legally permitted. The minimum age of marriage is 20 for both women and men, but a court can allow persons under the age of 20 to marry with the consent of their guardian, which effectively removes the minimum threshold of legal marriage. It is also noted that Libya's criminal law does not explicitly recognize child sexual abuse, and there is no dedicated law that addresses child sexual abuse. The way in which sexual violence is framed in the penal code is also a matter of concern. Sexual violence is treated in the penal code as a crime against the victims ‘honor’, rather than violation of bodily integrity. This may serve to undermine justice by leading the Libyan courts to focus on the victim's sexual history and 'honor' rather than the alleged violence committed. Furthermore, in the absence of clear definitions of what constitutes, ‘indecent acts or lewd acts' it is not clear whether the penal code covers all types of sexual violence in all settings. A recent review of child rights legislation in Libya suggests that only rape and sodomy can lead to criminal conviction. Victims of sexual assault can be prosecuted under Libya's criminal law for engaging in extra-marital affairs thus often discouraged from seeking justice in the first place. In addition, the widespread practice whereby marriage between perpetrators of rape and women victims of rape is encouraged in order to protect the victims from social stigma and marginalization under article 424 of the penal code, which states that “if the offender marries the woman against who the offence is committed, the offence and penalty shall be extinguished and the penal effects thereof ceases”is deemed to have a disproportionately impact on women and girls further limiting their access to justice.Strategic intervention Advocate for the establishment of a committee of experts in liaison with the ministry of justice to review the Libya legislation related to GBV and provide key policy development recommendations and support implementationSocial -cultural perceptions and attitudesIn Libya, GBV is a particularly sensitive topic, surrounded by strong taboo and controversies. There is a widespread stigma associated with being a victim of GBV, and victims of violence often become outcasts in their family and community. This context discourages reporting, which makes it difficult to estimate the extent of the problem. A study conducted by Voluntas Advisory for UNDP on women, peace and security in Libya found that widespread underreporting of violence against women is both due to weak reporting structures and social barriers. In the GBV situational analysis, FGD participants in all four cities acknowledged the difficulties women face when reporting a rape and the common trend of society blaming the victims for the crime and not the perpetrator. Moreover, inflicted women seem to seek little help from local organizations and authorities. The reason for this seems to be the large stigma associated with GBV, where the victim herself is often blamed for the violence. There is considerable divergence on the hurdles preventing women from accessing GBV related services. The female IDPs, found that the community pressure and fear from stigma and gossip. The tendency to keep things within the family implies that there is widespread underreporting of cases of GBV. From the qualitative data it transpires, that the main reasons for this are that the local authorities are unresponsive, and that it is an embarrassment to the victim and her family. For domestic violence, even reporting to family members is seen to be rare and only working as support mechanism. For sexual violence, the emphasis on social stigma is even stronger, particularly directed at the victim. All FGD respondents state that victims of sexual violence would usually not report it to anyone out of fear of how society would view them. The tradition of privacy in domestic matters encourages victims of GBV to remain silent.Strategic intervention Initiate Men engagement initiatives Implement holistic community engagement strategies to promote behavior change over a period of time. Thus GBV partners to consider men engagement initiatives which aim at working constructively with men to examine the gendered impact of conflict and how they have been socialized, which is a crucial step in creating a world where women and girls are valued equal and free from violence.Limited knowledge and trust about available GBV related servicesLibyans are generally not aware of service providers connected to coping with GBV. Additionally, participants stated that unless a victim has good contacts (e.g. a family member) in the police, the case would be closed without any further investigation. According to a recent GBV situational analysis in Jadu, female participants were unaware of any GBV-related services in their community. With regards to institutionalized help for survivors of sexual violence, the women said that none existed in their community. They pointed out that the only support structures they were aware of came from the victims’ family. According to the informants, Ubari also lacks psychosocial services for victims of violence. In Sirte, the percentage of respondents who knew about activities specifically targeting women and girls was as low as 5%, corresponding to the findings of the gap analysis by UNFPA. In Benghazi only 5% of the respondents were aware of activities undertaken by an international organization in their community. For Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), a mere 9% of respondents were aware of activities in their community. Consequently, only 4% of the respondents knew about activities specifically targeting women and girls. Strategic intervention Strengthen Community engagement initiatives The complexities presented by the Libyan context requires building strong community networks in the cities occupied by the migrants and IDPs to ensure appropriate and effective information dissemination on GBV, available services as well as the benefits of reporting sexual violence cases within 72 hours to the nearest health facilities.Lack of national policies related to Gender based violence response and preventionDue to the ongoing conflict, there are no policies currently on GBV. Migrant workers from sub-Saharan Africa have been subjected to discrimination and abuses, particularly at the hands of militia groups. The breakdown of the rule of law has led to impunity for armed groups who perpetrate GBV in all sides of the conflict.Strategic intervention Liaise with the gender task force to take lead in supporting the ministry of justice and Ministry of social affairs to develop policy documents related to the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 and related gender policies.Action Plan Strategic objective Activities Phase of emergency IndicatorsTargetsAgency responsibleTimelinesCommentsCrisis Post-crisisRecoveryImprove access to safe, timely, confidential and coordinated GBV services, provided according to a survivor-centered approachEstablish additional safe spaces for women, girls and children including group counseling, skills building and trainings. YesYesYes# Of functional WGFS# Of women & girls visiting WGFS1-CESVI 1-IMC1-UNFPA1-IRC 100-CESVI3137-IRC2,500-IMCCESVI, IRC, IMC and UNFPAAug-Dec 2018Funds available Establish safe shelters to host vulnerable persons in need of safety and protection NOYesYes# Of safe shelters established 1-IOMIOMJuly 2018Funds available Support the creation of gender desks in various police stations assigned to handle cases of GBVNoYesYes # Of functional gender desksNo commitment from agenciesIdentify focal points from the ministry of interior and the ministry of justice to participate in regular GBV working group meetingsYesYesYes# Of focal points attending GBV working group meetings regularly 2 focal points per ministry GBV sub-sector coordinators August 2018No funds required Identify and work with (pro-bono) lawyers and legal aid organizations to provide legal service for GBV survivors; and provide targeted training sessions to human rights lawyers working with survivors YesYesYes# Of lawyers trained TBD UNSMIL-HRDHRD to confirm funding availability and dates Organize legal awareness sessions among target populations to provide relevant information related to access of justice and human rightsYesYesYes# Of people reached with information on legal support services No commitment from agenciesInitiate Legal aid services focusing on awareness raising on international legal frameworks, capacity building, legal advise and legal representation for migrants in detention and out of the detention centresYesYesYes# Of GBV survivors provided with legal aid services 100%No commitment from agenciesOrganize joint regular visits to the legal detention centres under the jurisdiction of Libyan authorities to reach out to newly intercepted migrants and provide integrated CMR, MHPSS, material support and legal aid servicesYesYesYes# Of agencies providing GBV related services at the detention centers 3IMCIOMUNSMIL-HRDJan-Dec 2018Funds available Organize joint mobile response services in the locations known to provide routes for migrants in liaison with the local authorities and local NGOs and provide integrated CMR, MHPSS, material support and legal aid servicesYesYesYes# Of agencies providing GBV services along the migration routes 1IOMAug-Sept 2018Funds available Mobilize resources to initiate GBV specialized services in target locations mostly inhabited by migrants including detention centresYesYesYesJoint appeal funds raised for GBV specialized services TBDGBV sub-sector coordinatorsAugust-Dec 2018Not applicable Initiate GBV reporting hotlines to improve access of services through phone based referrals for the 'invisible' migrants who might require information about where to access GBV related servicesNoYesYes # Of functional hot lines 1CESVIOctober 2018Funds anticipated Initiate GBV case management and psychosocial support for GBV survivors in target locations where these services are not availableYesYesYes% Of GBV survivors accessing quality GBV related services 100% CESVIIOMIMCIRC UNFPAOct-Dec 2018Funds available Liaise with the health sector and the sexual and reproductive health working group to ensure reliable supply of necessary post rape care drugs and services such as emergency contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections and post exposure prophylaxes for HIV/AIDs treatment.YesYesYes% Of GBV survivors accessing CMR services within 72 hours100%GBV sub-sector coordinators July 2018-June 2019Identify GBV focal points within health facilities to assume responsibility for provision of care, treatment, and documentation and follow up as well as the storage and monitoring of information.YesYesYes# Of health facilities focal points identified 11GBV sub-sector coordinatorsJuly 2018-June 2019No funds required Develop women and girls friendly spaces guidance noteYesYesYesGuidance note developed and adapted YesIMC UNFPAAug-Sept 2018No funds required Develop safe shelters guidance note YesYesYesGuidance note developed and adaptedIOMAug 2018Funds under negotiation Strengthen capacities of and increase coordination among service providers, local institutions and relevant stakeholders, including communities, in GBV response, enhanced prevention and risk mitigationOrganize PSEA trainings for DCIM officials, coast guards, implementing partners and staffYesYesYes# Of staff trained on PSEA50CESVIIMCJuly 2018 Funds anticipated by CESVI CESVI to confirm dates once funds are received. Develop functional referral pathways to ensure coordination of timely and safe access to GBV services in and out of the detention centresYesYesYesFunctional referral pathways in place YESGBV sub-sector coordinators Dec 2018Funds required Liaise with local authorities and local NGOs and build their capacity in GBV prevention and response with a focus on male and female survivors of GBVYesYesYes# Of trainings conducted 5CESVIUNSMIL-HRD Funds anticipated by CESVI. CSEVI to confirm dates once funds are received. UNSMIL-HRD to confirm number of trainings planned Advocate for prevention of rape related incidents through continuous capacity building, awareness raising and engagements with the DCIM officials focusing on international human rights and GBV related topicsYesYesYes# Of DCIM officials trained 100IOMIMC July 2018 Funds available Establish field based GBV coordination bodies to strengthen GBV response and preventionYesYesYes# Of functional GBV working groups 3GBV sub-sector coordinatorsDec 2018Working groups will be established in Benghazi, Tripoli and MisrataProvide trainings and support to the judiciary and police staff to ensure they handle survivors in a way that adheres to the guiding principles and does not place them at more harmYesYesYes# Of judiciary staff trained No commitment from agenciesProvide GBV related trainings including PSEA to teachers in various schoolsYesYesYes# Of schools trained on PSEA No commitment from agenciesConstitute a task force within the GBV working group to look into key GBV terminologies and definitions in collaboration with the government line ministries and civil society organizationsYesYesYesHarmonized document developed on key terminologies YESCESVIINTERSOSONGOINGTo be completed by end of AugustIn collaboration with the health sector, organize a facility level audit to ascertain support required to strengthen the provision of clinical management of rape services.YesYesYes# Of facilities audited on CMR service provision 5UNFPAOct 2018In collaboration with the health sector, train all staff within health facilities on the clinical management of rape in line with WHO guidelines, psychological first aid and minimum initial service package with refresher trainings provided to staff to maintain skills.YesYesYes# Of health facility staff trained on CMR IMC-65UNFPA-20IRC IOM IMCUNFPAIRCIOMJuly-Sept 2018Build the capacity of teachers in GBV-specific topics and thereby enabling school staff to identify and report signs of GBVYesYesYes# Of teachers targeted for trainingsIOM-100IOMFunds anticipated IOM to confirm dates once funds are received Finalize the interagency assessment to determine the feasibility for rolling out GBVIMS in LibyaYesYesYes Interagency assessment completed YesGBV sub-sector coordinator Completed Provide targeted trainings on GBV case management and GBVIMS in LibyaYesYesYes# Of agencies trained on case management and GBVIMs7UNFPAOctober 2018Funds available Develop standard operating procedures for GBV response and preventionYesYesYesSOP in place YesGBV Sub-sector coordinator October 2018No funds required Provide targeted recommendations and analysis on existing and newly emerging GBV risks, patterns and trends for purposes of risk mitigation, improved programming and resource mobilization. Conduct regular safety audits in existing IDP camps, new displacement sites and detention centresYesYesYes# Of safety audits conducted 4IOMEarly 2019Funds anticipated Develop a dignity kits distribution guidance note specific to the Libyan contextYesYesYesGuidance note developed and adapted YesIMCUNFPA August 2018Provide a set of harmonized GBV assessment tools including GBV rapid assessment and situational analysis YesYesYesAssessment tools tailored and shared among partners YesGBV sub-sector coordinator October 2018Conduct ongoing GBV rapid assessments YesYesYesGBV rapid assessments conducted YesGBV sub-sector coordinators July 2018-June 2019Roll out GBVIMs and support implementation of recommendations generated from the trends analysis YesYesYes# Of agencies utilizing GBVIMS7UNFPAOctober 2018Regularly contribute to protection situational updates by providing updates on emerging GBV related issues YesYesYesMonthly updates provided YesGBV sub-sector coordinators UNSMIL-HRDJuly 2018-June 2019No funds required Initiate community based networks and build their capacity on GBV response and prevention and risk mitigation in target locations mostly inhabited by migrants to facilitate access to available GBV servicesYesYesYes # Of functional community based networks 1-CESVI2-IMCCESVIIMC Dec 2018-IMC CESVI anticipating funds Ensure enhanced coordination regarding advocacy, development and distribution of key messages, campaigns and events amongst all members of the WG and other key stakeholders.Develop targeted advocacy notes based on emerging rape related incident reports and assessments channeled through the mixed migration working group to seek the attention and action from the ministry of interior against perpetrators of rape.YesYesYes# Of advocacy notes developed 4GBV sub-sector coordinatorsUNSMIL-HRDQuarterlyNo funds required Develop key information, education and communication materials on the effects of rape, importance of providing timely care and available services for dissemination in detention centres and locations known to host migrants and refugeesYesYesYesIEC materials developed and adapted YesIMCJuly –Dec 2018Develop and disseminate cultural appropriate GBV messages to be integrated in the legal awareness sessions to facilitate access of timely services for survivors in need of care and treatmentYesYesYes# Of people reached with key GBV messages 1440IRC Dec 2018Advocate for the provision of life saving CMR services in all the known detention centresYesYesYesAgencies providing CMR services at the detention centers YesGBV sub-sector coordinators July 2018-June 2019Engage the local media to facilitate mass campaigns on GBV including sensitization of community members about where they can safely access timely GBV servicesYesYesYesMedia houses supporting GBV awareness campaigns YesGBV Sub-sector coordinators July 2018-June 2019Advocate for the distribution of both female dignity kits and special kits for men in and out of the detention centresYesYesYes# Of women and girls of receiving dignity kits 200-IRC8674- UNFPAIRCUNFPADecember 2018Additional funds however required for procurement of dignity kits Liaise with the ministry of social affairs, ministry of justice and ministry of planning and mobilize resources for the development of a national GBV action planNoYesYesGBV national action plan in place YesIOMFunds available IOM to confirm dates Advocate for the establishment of a committee of experts in liaison with the ministry of justice to review the Libya legislation related to GBV and provide key policy development recommendations and support implementationNoYesYesKey policy recommendations adapted YesIOMFunds required Liaise with the gender task force to take lead in supporting the ministry of Justice and Ministry of Social Affairs to develop policy documents related to the implementation of the UN security council resolution 1325 and related gender policies.NoYesYesKey policy documents developed YesIOMFunds required Develop a GBV prevention strategy for the Libyan context that can be adapted for the different target beneficiariesYesYesYesGBV prevention strategy developed YesGBV sub-sector coordinators November 2018Develop child friendly IEC materials and organize awareness raising sessions in schools on GBV in various schoolsYesYesYes# Of school children reached with key GBV messages TBDNo commitment from agencies Liaise with the education sector and the Ministry of education to jointly develop policy documents to be incorporated in the school curriculum to ensure teachers are held accountable for incidents related to GBVNoYesYesPolicy documents developed and adapted YesIOMFunds available IOM to confirm dates Strengthen GBV mainstreaming throughout all sectors, in particular Child Protection, Education, Health, Food and NFIDevelop harmonized communication guidelines for integrating GBV messages in other sectorsYesYesYesCommunication guideline developed YesGBV sub-sector coordinatorJuly 2018No funds required Organize training on integrating GBV interventions in humanitarian settings YesYesYessector members trained YesIOMSeptember 2018Funds anticipated Review intersector assessment tools (MSNA, IRNA) and ensure GBV related questions are ethical and mainstreamedYesYesNoIntersector assessment documents reviewed YesGBV sub-sector coordinatorsJuly 2018-June 2019Identify focal points within the GBV working to regularly attend sector meetings YesYesYesFocal points attending functional sector meetingsYesGBV sub-sector coordinatorsJuly 2018-June 2019Work in close collaboration with Counter trafficking team to ensure awareness, free and equitable access to services to the victims Develop advocacy notes based on the emerging trafficking incidents channeled through the mixed migration working group for the ministry of interior to take necessary actions required to combat trafficking in LibyaYesYesYesAdvocacy notes developed YesGBV sub-sector coordinators Quarterly Provide targeted trainings and ongoing sensitization to the DCIM officials on human trafficking as a violation of human rightsYesYesYes# Of DCIM officials trained No commitment from agencies Monitoring and evaluation To be developed once the work plan is finalized ReviewTo be discussed during the review process ................
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