Specialists of United States yesterday Thursday condemned a measure by the Libyan government that prevents women from traveling abroad without a male companion, citing a policy of “discrimination” that “shrinks the freedom” of women.

The UN-recognized government based in Tripoli, which controls the west Libyaissued in April a decree with a new rule, the powers of which women and girls they must have a male companion, called a ‘mahram’, in order to travel, as well as fill out a form detailing the reasons for their travel.

Those who refuse are barred from leaving the territory, nine independent experts of UNincluding members of the working group on discrimination against women and girls and the special rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

“Not only is this policy discriminatory, but it restricts the freedom of movement of women and girls, including those female students who leave the country to study abroad,” they stressed.

“We are particularly concerned about the negative impact of this discriminatory process on the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls.”

The experts, named by the UN Human Rights Council but not speaking on behalf of the international body, also expressed concern over reports that Libya’s internal security service is intimidating human rights defenders who have criticized the measure.

They appealed to the government in Tripoli to rescind the “discriminatory” measure and to “prevent any intimidation, persecution or attack” against those who opposed it.

The north African country remains mired in chaos since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, undermined by the east-west divide.

Two governments compete for power: the one in Tripoli (west) recognized by the UN and headed by Abdelhamid Dbayba, the other, in the east, supported by Marshal Khalifa Haftar.