Democratic future for Libya is within reach, Ban says on anniversary of revolution

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marked today’s one-year anniversary of the start of the Libyan revolution by calling on the North African country’s people to work together to transition to a democracy founded on justice, the rule of law, transparency and an inclusive political process.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said Libyans now stand “within reach of a democratic future which one year ago seemed only a distant dream.”

He pledged the continued assistance of the United Nations, which has a political support mission (UNSMIL) in Libya, during the transition period, especially for the election of a national congress and the subsequent task of drafting a new constitution.

“The Secretary-General urges all Libyans to stand together in a spirit of reconciliation; to insist that a revolution in the name of human rights must not be tarnished by abuses, but must bring about justice through rule of law; and to ensure that women, youth and civil society as a whole are encouraged to play their full part in the development of transparent, inclusive and accountable institutions,” the statement noted.

“The transition to democracy is a period of great challenges, but it is also a time of opportunities to build a new Libya that honours the sacrifices of its people in their struggle for freedom.”