Dutch Official: Our goal is for peace in Libya and sanctions are necessary to achieve that

Yenko Verhej, the Dutch Ministry’s chief policy officer for the Middle East and North Africa section, stated during a symposium which was held remotely on the internet that: “International sanctions are another important component of our strategy. We must consider the immediate effects of penalties as well as their function in sending messages to others. It has the potential to function.”

He continued, saying: “We are the only state whose constitution includes human rights, and they have significance. We must keep in mind that there will be no reconciliation or security until there is some measure of justice.”

The symposium, titled “Impunity in Libya and the Role of the European Union and the United Nations,” was attended by international experts, addressed possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the context of the ongoing civil war, such as mass graves, landmines, torture, and murder, as well as the responsibility of the warring parties and their regional and international allies.