Libya to compensate women raped during 2011 uprising

TRIPOLI (Reuters) — Libya will offer compensation to women raped during the 20 NATO-backed uprising which toppled Moammar Gadhafi, its justice minister said on Wednesday, touching a taboo subject.

Hundreds of women may have been raped during the eight-month conflict, according to the International Criminal Court, which has collected evidence that pro- Gadhafi forces used rape as a weapon to spread fear among its opponents.

No e act figures for the number of women raped are available.

Human rights activists have pushed for compensation, but rape victims are often ostracized in the conservative Muslim country where discussion of the crime remains taboo, so it is not clear how many victims would actually come forward.

Justice Minister Salah alMarghani said the Cabinet had issued a law that would recognize women raped during the conflict as war victims, putting them on the same level as wounded former rebel fighters re uiring medical treatment.

“This group (of women) is weak and needs our care,” Marghani told reporters. “It (the law) will give them many rights...and cover also compensation.”

He did not say what compensation the women would get. Other war victims are entitled to benefits that may include medical care, a safe place to stay and financial assistance.