Law No. (18) of 2013 on the rights of cultural and linguistic components

Law No. (18) of 2013

on the rights of cultural and linguistic components

The General National Congress:

Upon review of:

• The interim Constitutional Declaration issued on 3 August 2011, and the amendments thereof;
• General National Congress Resolution No. (62) of 2013 on adopting amendment of the rules of procedure of the General National Congress;
• Law No. (36) of 1968 on civil status, and the amendments thereof;
• Law No. (24) of 2001 on the prohibition of unauthorised use of other than the Arabic language in all transactions;
• The conclusions of the General National Congress in its 114^th ordinary session held on 30/07/2013;

issued the following law:

Article (1)

The Amazigh, Tuareg, and Tebu languages shall be considered linguistic and cultural components of Libyan society.

Article (2)

All linguistic and cultural components shall have the right to learn their language as an optional subject within the educational curriculum adopted according to the laws and regulations in force, both in the schools located in their areas and others.

Article (3)

The Ministry of Education shall provide the textbook, teacher, and all the necessary capabilities to execute this law.

Article (4)

The Ministry of Culture and Civil Society, in coordination with the municipal councils, shall hold annual and seasonal festivals to revive the cultural heritage of the components mentioned in Article (1).

Article (5)

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research shall establish centres and research and historical councils responsible for preserving and developing the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Amazigh, Tuareg, and Tebu. These centres and councils shall work to protect, consolidate, develop, and propagate the cultural and linguistic heritage of these components.

Article (6)

All relevant entities, each within their mandate, shall take the necessary measure to execute this law.

Article (7)

The provisions of this law shall enter into effect from its date of issuance, any contrary provision shall be repealed, and it shall be published in the Official Gazette.

General National Congress – Libya