The Head of the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL), Ahmed Hamza, has strongly criticised the Tripoli-based government led by Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, accusing it of failing to improve the country’s human rights situation despite public claims to the contrary.
In remarks responding to Dbaiba’s statements about his government’s commitment to promoting human rights, Hamza said, “We hope that the level of governmental actions and policies will rise, because there is a wide gap between words and deeds, and between political rhetoric for media consumption and the reality on the ground.”
Hamza directly accused several of Dbaiba’s senior ministers of being complicit in human rights violations through their respective policies. He named Interior Minister Imad Al-Trabelsi, Justice Minister Halima Ibrahim, and Social Affairs Minister Wafa Al-Kilani among those responsible for serious abuses committed under the government’s watch. He also referenced violations linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying such practices reveal a lack of credibility and genuine intent to pursue reform.
He added that the Government of National Unity (GNU) has failed to take any meaningful steps since assuming power to improve the country’s human rights record. Instead, he said, “many grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have been committed under its cover, with civilians paying the highest price.”
Hamza’s remarks come amid growing criticism of Dbaiba’s administration over arbitrary detentions, media restrictions, and allegations of torture and mistreatment in detention facilities. Human rights organisations have repeatedly urged Libyan authorities to take serious measures to protect civil liberties and ensure accountability for abuses.
