Latest news with #Tetteh
Libyan Express
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Libyan Express
UN envoy warns against divisive rhetoric in Libya
BY Libyan Express Jun 20, 2025 - 05:45 UN stresses dialogue to overcome Libya's divisions The United Nations' senior envoy to Libya has issued a grave warning about the damaging impact of hate speech on the country's delicate peace process and national unity. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Hanna Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, emphasised the urgent need to tackle divisive rhetoric that risks deepening the nation's political and social divisions. 'In a context marked by intense political polarisation and a fragile security situation, hate speech—particularly when based on regional, tribal or ethnic differences—represents a serious barrier to Libya's efforts towards reconciliation and stability,' Tetteh said in a powerful statement. She called on all stakeholders—including government bodies, media professionals, social media platforms and civil society organisations—to unite in promoting inclusive and respectful dialogue that counters incitement and fosters mutual understanding. Tetteh also highlighted the significant role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, stressing that these tools must be used responsibly to support peacebuilding initiatives and combat the spread of misinformation rather than inflame existing tensions. 'Libya's future hinges on a collective rejection of hate and intolerance,' she affirmed. 'Only through unity, justice and sustained dialogue can the country secure lasting peace for all its people.' The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libya Observer
a day ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UN envoy: Hate speech threatens Libya's unity and stability
The UN's top envoy to Libya has warned that hate speech is undermining peace efforts and poses a serious threat to national unity. Hanna Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative, issued the warning on Wednesday to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. 'In the context of political polarization and a fragile security situation, hate speech – especially when based on regional, tribal or ethnic lines – is a real threat to efforts to unify the country and achieve stability,' Tetteh said in a statement. She called for a collective response from state institutions, media professionals, social platforms, and civil society to promote inclusive dialogue and replace incitement with respectful communication. Tetteh also stressed the importance of using modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support peace rather than fuel division or misinformation. 'We must stand against hate and work together for a Libya founded on unity, justice, and lasting peace,' she said. Tags: Hanna Tetteh Hate Speech
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Calls for National Effort to Confront Hate Speech in Libya
The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, warned that hate speech is becoming a serious obstacle to national unity and peace efforts. Her statement, issued Wednesday on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, called for immediate and coordinated efforts to confront divisive rhetoric across Libya. Tetteh described hate speech as a direct threat to the country's stability, particularly in the context of Libya's fragile security and political polarization. 'In such a sensitive environment, hate speech—especially when based on regional, tribal, or ethnic divisions—can do lasting damage,' she said. 'It deepens mistrust, fuels conflict, and undermines the work toward national reconciliation.' She stressed that fighting hate speech is not only the responsibility of governments but also of society as a whole. Institutions, media outlets, social leaders, civil society organizations, digital platforms, and individual citizens all have a role to play. Tetteh called for replacing inflammatory rhetoric with a more constructive, inclusive, and respectful tone that encourages unity and forward-looking dialogue. The UN Support Mission in Libya reaffirmed its commitment to working with all Libyans to foster national dialogue, support reconciliation, and promote responsible public messaging. She emphasized that inclusive communication must be part of any genuine effort to move the country toward peace and stability. The UN diplomat also addressed the growing influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in shaping public opinion. While these tools can be used to support peacebuilding, Tetteh warned that they must not become channels for spreading hate or misinformation. 'We must ensure these technologies are used to unite, not divide,' she said. Tetteh concluded with a strong call to action: 'We must stand against hate, choose respect in our differences, and build a future for Libya based on unity, justice, and lasting peace.' Her statement comes at a time when online incitement and identity-driven rhetoric remain key challenges for Libya's fragile political transition, threatening to derail reconciliation efforts and widen existing divisions. Tags: hate speechlibyaReconciliationUN Envoy
Libya Review
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Calls for Eid Calm as Tripoli Faces Tense Ceasefire
As Libya prepares to mark Eid al-Adha, United Nations Special Representative Hanna Serwaa Tetteh issued an urgent appeal to all parties in influence to preserve the fragile ceasefire in Tripoli and prioritize peace over conflict. Her call follows the deadly clashes that erupted in the capital on May 12 and 13 between armed factions, raising fears of renewed violence in the lead-up to the holiday. In a public statement marking Eid, Tetteh urged political and military leaders to treat the current truce not as a pause but as a shared responsibility to protect. She stressed that the use of force to resolve disputes deepens national divisions and delays any chance of long-term stability. 'This blessed occasion is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and compassion,' she said. 'It reminds us of the strength that comes from unity, and the importance of supporting each other through difficult times.' Tetteh emphasized that sustainable peace in Libya can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and peaceful negotiation, not through armed confrontation. While the statement did not name any groups directly, it was clearly aimed at both state-aligned and non-state actors who continue to contest influence in Tripoli and other parts of the country. The United Nations and international partners have warned that any escalation in the capital could derail efforts to reach a political agreement and hold long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections. Tetteh's message comes amid renewed diplomatic activity by the UN mission in Libya, including consultations with local communities and political stakeholders to explore options for reviving a unified roadmap toward elections. Tags: ceasefirelibyatripoliUN Envoy
Libya Review
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Set to Launch Nationwide Survey on Libya's Political Future
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced plans to launch an online survey in the coming weeks to gather public opinion on the country's political future. The initiative is part of UNSMIL's broader effort to engage Libyans directly in shaping a path toward national elections and ending the years-long transitional phase. The announcement followed a public meeting held on Monday in the city of Zawiya, west of Tripoli, where more than 150 people from across the region gathered to discuss possible solutions to Libya's ongoing political impasse. Participants included community members from various municipalities including Zawiya, Sorman, Sabratha, Al-Ajilat, Al-Jumail, Manshiya, Zaltan, Al-Assa, Abu Surra, Nalut, Wazzin, Kabaw, Yefren, Zuwara, and Riqdalin. The meeting aimed to hear directly from residents about their priorities, concerns, and visions for moving beyond political deadlock. According to UNSMIL, this consultation is one of many to be held across Libya. The mission also continues its parallel discussions with political parties, civil society groups, security actors, and representatives from women's and youth organizations. In a statement following the meeting, UN Special Representative Hanna Serwaa Tetteh said that recent armed clashes and large-scale protests in western Libya serve as a stark reminder that the current political situation is unsustainable. 'The latest events clearly demonstrate that the status quo cannot hold,' Tetteh said. 'There is an urgent need for a unified national roadmap that leads to inclusive, constitutional-based elections and the reunification of state institutions.' The upcoming online survey, which will be accessible to all Libyans, is designed to widen participation in the political process and give citizens a direct voice in shaping the country's next chapter.
