The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Libya welcomes Switzerland’s $800,000 contribution to its programs aimed at supporting vulnerable children in Libya and enhancing social protection and education services.
The two-year UNICEF program seeks to improve access to comprehensive social protection services, strengthen child protection programs, and enhance capacity building, creating a protective environment for children in Libya, especially the marginalized ones, as reported by UNICEF’s official website.
According to the organization, Switzerland’s funding will enable UNICEF’s Libya office to closely collaborate with established partners within Libyan institutions, including the National Council for Economic and Social Development, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Social Solidarity Fund. UNICEF will also work with sister UN agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities.
In response to Switzerland’s generous support, Michelle Servadi, UNICEF’s representative in Libya, expressed gratitude for their continuous commitment to child and women’s protection services. He emphasized that this backing marks a crucial step toward creating an inclusive and preventive environment for all children, especially those most at risk. Servadi looks forward to working closely with partners and the Libyan government to achieve tangible and sustainable results for the children.
Switzerland’s close cooperation with Libya in meeting the needs of children
Joseph Reindl, the Swiss Ambassador to Libya, stated, “Over the past years, Switzerland has worked closely with partners in Libya to address the needs of children, youth, and vulnerable families. This support to UNICEF highlights our ongoing assistance to the children in dire need of protection, including education and social support that provides a vital safety net for the most vulnerable population.”
The educational aspect of the UNICEF program focuses on addressing obstacles to quality education and ensuring better learning opportunities for children, including those with disabilities, internally displaced, and non-Libyan children. Moreover, the project aims to strengthen child protection systems against violence, abuse, and exploitation, including gender-based violence. It also focuses on building the capacities of government social workers and counselors in community awareness, parenting and maternity programs, organized psychosocial and social support programs, among others.
