(6) Protection of vulnerable groups (€ 4 million) by developing effective protection systems for vulnerable groups, including minorities and migrants, and strengthening the capacity of national and local authorities and non-state actors to meet their particular needs.
In 2013, additional support (€25 million) will be made available, focusing on economic development and trade, migration, protection of vulnerable people.
The EU will also continue its support to civil society (€3 million).
Civil Society: role and EU support
Independent civil society organisations were not allowed to play a role under the old regime. This has now drastically changed; the new Libyan Authorities consider civil society as an important element of the democratic transition process and actively promote civil society actors. Libyan civil society actors eagerly used this opportunity to get organised and participate in the transition process.
The EU has embarked on a significant and comprehensive series of programmes supporting both the development of the institutional dimension of the civil society sector and the capacity building of civil society organisations. This includes creating a conducive environment for the sector and promoting policy dialogue with national and local authorities. "Civil Initiatives Libya" has set up four training centres (Benghazi, Tripoli, Misrata and Sabha) to provide essential resources (meeting rooms, IT equipment, etc), information and most of all a central meeting point where civil society can share ideas. Over 1200 participants (40% women) have attended training courses in these centres.
To promote partnerships between Libyan and European NGO's, the EU organised a 2 day EU-Libya civil society forum in Tripoli and in Benghazi in May 2012. This forum also provided information on how Libyan organisation can benefit from EU support.