The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has welcomed the October 11 appointment of five women judges who will work in two new specialized courts in Benghazi and Tripoli dedicated to hearing cases of violence against women and children.

UNSMIL said in a statement Tuesday that the establishment of these two courts, coupled with the appointment of five women judges, represents a significant step towards advancing the rights of women and children in Libya.

"With dedicated courts, the criminal justice response to cases of violence against women and children will vastly improve." The statement reads.

UNSMIL indicated that in partnership with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNWOMEN, it is committed to a specialized program of training for all judges appointed to the newly established courts, adding that it looks forward to working closely with the Libyan Supreme Judicial Council to implement this program.