The UN calls for a new mechanism to monitor human rights violations in Libya, emphasizing ongoing abuses and the need for accountability. The FFM’s recent findings highlight severe violations, including crimes against humanity. The international community is urged to support civil society and ensure a path toward elections and sustainable peace as Libya grapples with instability.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for new tools to monitor and address gross human rights violations in Libya during a recent session of the Human Rights Council. He emphasized that the international community must not overlook the situation, urging for accountability for past violations while keeping a vigilant watch on ongoing abuses, as echoed by the Independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Libya.
Since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has faced instability with competing administrations and armed militias seeking control. The UN-recognized Government of National Accord operates from Tripoli, while General Khalifa Haftar’s forces dominate much of the eastern and southern regions. The FFM has recommended establishing a distinct mechanism to continually monitor human rights violations, fostering reconciliation and justice in Libya.
FFM chair Mohamed Auajjar reported concerning findings during the Council meeting, detailing that the human rights situation remains dire, with ongoing violations compromising fundamental freedoms. The Mission’s extensive research indicated reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have occurred against both Libyans and migrants since 2016, identifying widespread practices of arbitrary detention, murder, and torture.
The integration of armed groups into state structures poses significant concerns, according to Mr. Auajjar, who lamented the ongoing nature of these crimes. High Commissioner Türk declared his intention to amplify efforts in Libya, where violence, political stalemate, and restrictions on civil society are prevalent. He expressed alarm over measures that criminalize civil society organizations, urging the government to respect rights regarding assembly and association.
He reiterated the necessity of conducting national elections and working towards sustainable peace in Libya. The international community’s engagement remains crucial to addressing these issues and ensuring accountability for violations that continue to afflict the nation.
In summary, the UN highlights the urgent need for a dedicated mechanism to monitor human rights violations in Libya, as the situation remains critical with ongoing abuses and a lack of accountability. UN officials stress the importance of respecting civil society’s role while promoting elections and sustainable peace as vital steps towards healing and reconciliation in the country.
Original Source: news.un.org
