The Libyan file commanded significant attention during the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. International delegations and UN organisations agreed on the urgent need to overcome the political impasse in the country and address the persistent human rights violations occurring amid an almost complete absence of accountability.
Justice and Accountability: International calls to end impunity
Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed that justice, human rights, and addressing the root causes of the conflict must form the foundation of any political settlement in Libya. While affirming that the roadmap announced by the UN mission last August provides hope for institutional unity and national elections, she warned against the continued “systematic attack” on civil society, targeting journalists and opponents. She also pointed to the brutal abuses suffered by migrants and refugees who are victims of exploitation by armed groups and human traffickers.
For her part, the UK Ambassador for Human Rights, Eleanor Sanders, expressed profound concern over the continuation of violations in Libya—including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture—noting the complete lack of accountability. Sanders called on Libyan authorities to work towards closing unofficial detention centres, adopting legislation to support reconciliation and protect women. She also emphasised the need to allow international organisations to operate freely to provide humanitarian services to vulnerable groups, affirming Britain’s support for a comprehensive transitional justice process centred on victims’ rights.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) sharply criticised Libyan authorities for poor cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite acknowledging its jurisdiction. Its statement revealed the discovery of 67 unidentified bodies in the morgues of Al-Khadra and Abu Salim hospitals and also noted the killing of over 10 civilians last May due to clashes between armed groups that followed the extrajudicial execution of one of their leaders.
The international community stresses the need to revive the political process
Stefano Bisotti, Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN, described the current situation in Libya as “unsustainable,” citing the recent Tripoli clashes as clear evidence of the fragile security environment. Bisotti demanded the reactivation of the UN-sponsored political process to overcome division and meet the democratic aspirations of the Libyan people. He expressed his country’s concern over the persistence of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, while affirming Italy’s support for women’s empowerment initiatives like “Raidat,” and appreciating the joint efforts between the High Commission, UNSMIL, and local authorities.
Meanwhile, Qatar, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative, Ahmed Al-Hammadi, affirmed its full support for Libya’s political track, Security Council resolutions, and all peaceful initiatives aimed at preserving the country’s unity and meeting its people’s aspirations for security and development. Qatar welcomed the activities carried out by the High Commission in collaboration with Libyan authorities to provide technical support and capacity building to tackle human rights challenges during the transitional phase.
These interventions illustrate a growing international consensus that accountability, justice, and the revitalisation of the political process are the keys to resolving the Libyan crisis, which has persisted for over a decade.
