ÎBTÎSAM AXFÎR

Benghazi- Violence against children is increasing in Libya. Three-year-old Rabiha, who was killed by her father in May, was only one of these children. We spoke to human rights activist Henin Beşuşe about methods and solutions to protect children from domestic violence.

Stating that violence against children is a global issue, Henin Beşuşe said, “Violence against children is a phenomenon not only in Arab countries or Libya but also all around the world. This phenomenon has been increasing recently, particularly in countries suffering from civil wars and conflicts. The violence against children cases also increase due to Covid-19 lockdowns.” Henin Beşuşe also talked about international conventions on child protection ratified by Libya, “Libya has ratified many conventions. It also has a law giving legal custody to mothers after divorce. But the problem is the implementation of laws, not laws themselves.”

“Number of female police officers should be increased”

Libyan Department of Women, Children, and Families and Arab Women's Organization have worked on the issue, Henin Beşuşe told us that Arab Women’s Organization has determined a strategy for combating violence against women. “This strategy aims to secure women's rights and protect them from all forms of violence,” Henin Beşuşe said that a police team should be formed to work on domestic and gender-based violence against women and children. “The number of female police officers should be increased. Victims of violence should be supported. Organizations should be founded to provide legal and social support not only for women but also for children,” she told us.

“Children should be protected”

Henin Beşuşe talked about the solutions to end violence against children and she said,“The role of NGOs in promoting and supporting any legislative reform initiatives, particularly in the Family Protection Law, should be clarified. International conventions ratified by Libya should be activated. Children should be protected against domestic violence.”