LIBYA- Reports from United Nations Support Mission in Libya has it that UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and support from the Delegation of the European Union to Libya, has launched the “Child Friendly Municipality Award” during a ceremony held in the Libyan capital Tripoli.
This Award according to reports is aimed at promoting municipalities to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child which has been ratified by Libya in 1993. This is contained in the talk of Dr Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Special Representative in Libya, while addressing attendants of the event.
“The Child Friendly Municipality Award aims to promote municipalities to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child which has been ratified by Libya in 1993,” Dr Khalil noted. Adding that nominations can start flooding in. “I would like today from Tripoli to invite the municipalities to announce their self-nomination for the 2018 award.”
It is however noted that in addition to the recognition of the positive contribution and dedication of the municipality in promoting child rights and well-being of children, the award will create a positive competition among different municipalities to deliver for the children in Libya.
Commenting on this new UNICEF development, Ms. Maria do Valle Ribeiro, the United Nations Deputy SRSG, Resident and Humanitarian coordinator for Libya noted that the initiative is a way of investing in the future of Libya, describing youths as precious resources.
“I welcome the engagement of the Ministry of Local Government in this initiative. Young generations are the most precious resource of the country, investing in children means investing in Libya’s future.”
Also speaking at the event, H. E. Ms Bettina Muscheidt Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Libya disclosed that “there is a long standing commitment from the EU in supporting child development in Libya and that the EU has been helping thousands of boys and girls in accessing education, recreational and psychosocial services.”
On the formality of the award, H.E. Mr. Badad Abdel Jalil, Minister of Local Government revealed that “the selection of the winning municipality will be done through an independent selection committee which will include prominent Libyan civil society representatives and child rights, youth development, and education Libyan experts.”
