The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC) and broader UN system have been receiving allegations of sexual violence reportedly committed by parties during the ongoing conflict in Libya. These reports, from a variety of partners, including UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, as well as findings of the Commission of Inquiry, point to incidence of conflict-related sexual violence. However, these sources recognise the challenges in collecting evidence of sexual violence, including a victim’s reluctance to disclose information due to trauma and the stigma associated with sexual violence.  Reports also raise concerns about alleged sexual violence against people in detention centres in South Libya by security forces and against migrant workers during flight from the conflict by rebel forces.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Moreno-Ocampo, has stated that there is an ongoing investigation to determine whether there was a policy which resulted in widespread or systematic rapes and sexual violence by both parties to the conflict. The Commission on Inquiry on Libya concluded in its report to the Human Rights Council that sufficient information was received to justify further investigation to ascertain the extent of sexual violence, including whether cases were linked to incitement by the command of either side[1]. Media reports highlight that rape could have been used as a tactic of the conflict.

With a view to ascertaining the actual scope and scale of conflict-related sexual violence in Libya, OSRSG-SVC will deploy a consultant supported by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and by UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict. The consultant will investigate, gather and analyse information on conflict-related sexual violence in Libya.  The assessment mission in Libya will take place over a six week period from 17 October to 25 November 2011. The consultant will be required to be in New York for one week prior to deployment and another week upon return from the field.

The purpose of the consultancy is to: (i) Investigate and gather information in Libya and border areas on conflict-related sexual violence by all parties to the conflict in Libya; (ii) Seek information on and assess the character and patterns of sexual violence, both before and during the conflict, and assess if  sexual violence  is being used as a tactic of war in the conflict; and (iii) Gather information on sexual violence against people in detention centres, as well as migrants fleeing the conflict, including in refugee camps.

[1] A/HRC/17/44, 1 June 2011