The National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) has emphasised that the formation of a unified government, and the restructuring of the National High Electoral Commission’s (HNEC) board are essential conditions to ensure the integrity and success of the electoral process in the country.
“This is crucial for garnering acceptance and commitment to its outcomes,” according to NCHRL’s Head, Ahmed Hamza.
Hamza underscored the importance of achieving these objectives, aligning perfectly with the demands and aspirations of the two-and-a-half million registered voters. This comes as they anticipate the fulfilment of these conditions, after the failure of the December 2021 election process.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws, and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
Earlier, the NCHRL 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.”