Head of UNSMIL says deeply concerned about human rights violations in Libya

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Martin Kobler is gravely concerned at continued and persistent reports of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law being perpetrated across Libya.

He called on all parties to send a strong message that these acts are completely unacceptable and back these messages with credible investigations to identify and hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable.

“It is high time to put an end to the gross violations being committed across Libya. I remind all parties that those responsible for committing, ordering or failing to prevent these acts, including hostage-taking, torture, extrajudicial executions, indiscriminate shelling and desecration of corpses when in a position to do so, are criminally liable, including in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC).”

Martin Kobler warned that continued fighting in residential areas continued to endanger the civilian population, in an environment already fraught with criminal and political kidnappings. Credible, effective and accountable security institutions are urgently required to end the deteriorating security situation.

“The human rights and security provisions within the Libya Political Agreement must be implemented. A framework exists to uphold human rights and the rule of law, what is required is the political will to implement it by all relevant stakeholders,” said the Special Representative.