The National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL), has reiterated its call to the United Nations Human Rights Council to appoint a special international rapporteur for human rights in Libya.
In a statement issued on the annual celebration of Human Rights Day, the institution emphasised that the United Nations system “has failed over the past decade to take the necessary measures and actions mandated by its charter, to protect human rights and public freedoms, and to end the culture of impunity in Libya.”
The institution pointed out that “this anniversary comes amid serious changes and challenges to the human rights situation in Libya, where the Libyan people continue to suffer severe violations of their fundamental rights.”
It affirmed the “grave violations of human rights in areas such as healthcare, and education.” It also condemned the “suppression of freedom of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly, as well as the confiscation of public freedoms.”
The deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions, along with violations of civil, political, and occupational rights, have significantly contributed to the intensification of human rights abuses, undermining public freedoms, the rule of law, justice, and reinforcing a culture of impunity in Libya.
On Sunday, the NCHRL accused the Government of National Unity (GNU) of contributing to an escalation in human rights violations, undermining public freedoms, and eroding the rule of law and justice in the country.
The statement asserts that the GNU has contributed to a culture of impunity, and fostered conditions where new, more oppressive practices and ideologies have taken root.
The report further criticizes the government for its role in curtailing basic rights and liberties, emphasizing that its policies have “directly led to the strengthening of impunity and the weakening of legal and judicial systems in Libya.” The commission also highlights the gross and egregious crimes committed against civilians by armed groups, including murder, abduction, forced disappearance, torture, and forced displacement.
Underlining the dire human rights situation in Libya, the NCHRL stressed the Libyan people’s ongoing suffering. It called on Libyan authorities to adhere to human rights standards consistently, and unconditionally.