Libya: Landmark decree recognises rape as weapon during uprising

19/02/2014
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The decree, adopted yesterday by Justice Minister Salah al-Marghani, "protects victims of rape during the war of liberation and recognises them as victims of war". Scores of women will now be recognised as war victims and be able to benefit from assistance to help rebuild traumatised lives previously shrouded in silence.

FIDH has specifically campaigned for this recognition of rape as a war weapon. This decree is a culmination of that effort, coming at the end of a meeting FIDH organised between the Observatory on Gender in Crisis, the French Parliament’s Women’s Rights delegation and Minister Salah al-Marghani.

The decree will be put before the General National Congress for passage into law. FIDH will continue to support the victims of rape in Libya and closely monitor the implementation of this landmark decree which should be a marker for other countries to follow.

See: French Parliament Supports Libyan Bill on Sexual Crimes

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