By Sami Zaptia.
London, 18 July 2019:
The United Nations Security Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said today that it is gravely concerned by and closely following up on media reports about the disappearance of House of Representatives (HoR) member Ms. Siham Sergewa.
They were also concerned about the injury of her husband.
Sergewa was reportedly taken by force last night from her residence in Benghazi having returned from the (predominantly pro Khalifa Hafter) HoR meeting in Cairo.
Its unclear why exactly she and her husband have been attacked, but its reported that Sergewa is a critic of Hafter’s war on Tripoli and was kidnapped for this reason.
UNSMIL has called on relevant authorities to investigate the attack on Sergewa’s residence, her enforced disappearance, and to disclose her whereabouts.
It also called for the immediate release of her and her husband.
Enforced disappearance, unlawful arrest and abduction based on political views or affiliations constitute a serious blow to the rule of law and blatant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, UNSMIL said.
UNSMIL also stressed that silencing the voices of women in decision-making positions will not be tolerated and reiterated its strong commitment to support the crucial role Libyan women play in peacemaking and peacebuilding and their full participation and involvement in the political life and decision-making.
Mainly pro Hafter HoR members meet in Cairo and propose a five-point peace plan