UNSMIL’s Complicity in Excluding Persons with Disabilities
Exclusion of Persons with Disabilities from the Economic Workshop: A Violation of International Commitments
Twenty-nine young men and women from across Libya participated—both in person and online—in a workshop with economic experts from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to discuss the challenges facing the Libyan economy and propose future solutions. However, what is both alarming and deeply concerning is the complete absence of representation for persons with disabilities at this event. This exclusion highlights a systematic marginalization of this crucial segment of society and stands in stark contradiction to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
UNSMIL’s Complicity in Excluding Persons with Disabilities
The organizers of this event, including UNSMIL, bear direct responsibility for this unjustifiable exclusion. It is unacceptable to ignore the participation of persons with disabilities in discussions on economic challenges and policies that directly impact their daily lives. This deliberate disregard reflects a persistent discriminatory mindset that entrenches the marginalization of persons with disabilities and denies them their rightful place in public discourse and decision-making.
UNSMIL’s Failure to Ensure Inclusive Dialogue
Despite the United Nations' frequent emphasis on its commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination, the exclusion of persons with disabilities from this workshop raises serious questions about UNSMIL’s sincerity in upholding human rights standards. How can economic challenges be discussed without listening to one of the groups most affected by Libya’s economic situation? How can the outcomes of this workshop genuinely reflect the needs of the entire Libyan society if a significant portion of it is excluded?
Continued Marginalization
The absence of representation for persons with disabilities in this workshop is yet another instance in a long pattern of discriminatory practices they face in Libya. If the goal of this meeting is to build a more stable and inclusive economy, then excluding a large segment of the population—one that faces compounded marginalization in both the labor market and access to economic rights—undermines the credibility of these discussions and results in incomplete and unrealistic policies.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Contradictory Reality
The CRPD explicitly mandates the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Article 29 of the Convention guarantees their right to participate in political and public life without discrimination. Given that Libya has ratified this Convention, it is shameful to witness the continued marginalization of this group and their exclusion from workshops designed to shape the country’s economic future.
Accountability and the Need for Serious Action
Recognizing Libya’s economic challenges is not enough; comprehensive solutions must be built on principles of justice and inclusivity. Real solutions cannot be formulated in the absence of those directly affected by them. Therefore, UNSMIL and the event organizers must take the following steps:
Acknowledge the failure and commit to corrective measures – UNSMIL should issue an official clarification on why persons with disabilities were excluded from this workshop and make a clear commitment to ensuring inclusivity in future events.
Ensure meaningful representation of persons with disabilities in all relevant meetings – There must be genuine representation that reflects Libya’s diverse society and ensures that the voices of marginalized groups are heard.
Provide accessibility measures for full participation – This includes real-time sign language interpretation, accessible printed and digital materials, and physical access to event venues.
Engage with civil society organizations advocating for persons with disabilities – Economic policies cannot effectively address structural challenges without consulting and involving organizations led by and for persons with disabilities, as well as experts in the field.
The continued exclusion of persons with disabilities from Libya’s national dialogue is not just an unfortunate oversight—it actively harms efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable future for the country. If UNSMIL and the participants of this workshop want their proposals to be realistic and implementable, they must start by including all segments of society and ensuring fair representation for persons with disabilities in every discussion that shapes Libya’s economic future.