A workshop was held last week in Tripoli to mark the launch of an awareness campaign on the constitutional process. The event was funded by the European Union and organized by a coalition of civil society organizations under the leadership of the 'Organization for Justice and Peace'.
It provided an opportunity for a wide spectrum of Libyan civil society organizations to discuss the challenges facing the constitutional process and the pivotal role that civil society can play.
This initiative is part of efforts to unify and coordinate support to constitutional awareness, and represents an opportunity for an open dialogue between Libyan civil society and Libyan authorities. A number of prominent speakers participated in the debate and all agreed on the key role civil society organisations have to play in the process.
Dr Mohammed Zubia, Head of the Board of the National Civil Society Support Centres, stressed the role that civil society can play in building a new state as well as in monitoring its performance.
Mr Nuri Elabbar, Head of the Board High National Election Commission underlined the need for a consensual process so that the Libyan people feel well represented. Ms Suzanne Kodsi, Head of Operations at the EU Delegation to Libya, underlined the EU’s ongoing support to the Libyan people and particularly welcomed the dialogue between CSOs and authorities.
A number of key issues were raised, such as the mechanism for the selection of constitution drafting committee members and the criteria they should fulfil. The need to hear the voices of minority groups and the role of women was also stressed.
The EU recognises the important role which civil society has to play in supporting Libya’s young democracy. The planned campaign represents an opportunity to continue promoting the active engagement of citizens from all over Libya in the constitutional dialogue with the different political stakeholders.
This event was organised within the framework of a civil society support project implemented by EUNIDA and funded by the European Union and implemented by the EU Delegation to Libya.
(Source: EU Neighbourhood Info)
