Human Rights Council 37: Libya
This UK statement was delivered at the 37th Session of the Human Rights Council during Interactive Dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Libya, held on 21 March 2018.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK welcomes Libya’s continued cooperation with the Human Rights Council and the work of UNSMIL, the African Union, the African League and regional countries towards supporting the political process in Libya.
We are grateful for the High Commissioner’s latest joint report with the UN Support Mission in Libya, which makes clear that political divisions and the continued impunity enjoyed by armed groups in Libya have created an environment of intimidation and fear. Those committing human rights violations and abuses in Libya, including unlawful killings, must not escape justice for their crimes.
While we applaud local reconciliation initiatives, communities are bitterly divided in many parts of the country. Internally displaced persons such as the Tawergha remain unable to return home due to the threat of violence against them. We are appalled at reports of the mistreatment of migrants and welcome the Libyan government’s investigation. We are seriously concerned at the increasing restrictions placed on women and civil society. And we are deeply concerned that groups such as Daesh remain active. We urge Prime Minister Serraj’s Presidency Council, the Presidents of the House of Representative and High State Council, and all Libyans to work together with Ghassan Salame, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, to establish peace in Libya.
Mr President,
We would like to ask the High Commissioner how the international community can support OHCHR and UNSMIL’s efforts to monitor human rights violations and abuses in Libya and improve accountability.