Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council 19th Session
Geneva
As Delivered by Kelly Landry
The United States welcomes the new Libyan delegation to the Council and congratulates Libya on the adoption of its UPR Working Group report. We commend the Libyan delegation’s voluntary interest in reviewing the report at this session and supporting the majority of recommendations presented during the UPR Working Group session in 2011. While we remain concerned about ongoing human rights challenges in Libya, we look forward to continued cooperation with Libya during this sensitive time of transition.
We greatly appreciate the Libyan delegation’s support for our recommendation that Libya adopt and implement a definition of torture consistent with its international obligations, and establish domestic legislation to abolish torture. We also welcome support for the United Kingdom’s recommendation that Libya investigate and hold accountable security forces responsible for allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, and ill treatment. Action on these issues would demonstrate a positive break from the past.
In addition to welcoming Libya’s invitation to HRC special procedures, we commend the Libyan delegation’s support for the recommendations of France, Switzerland, and Slovakia that the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention visit Libya. We reiterate Slovakia’s recommendation that all persons detained without legal basis be released immediately.
We welcome the Libyan delegation’s attention to various recommendations that combat discrimination and enhance basic political rights for all Libyans, including women. Specifically, we commend Libya’s support for recommendations made by 15 countries regarding the promotion of women’s equal rights, including women’s full participation in economic, social, and public life without discrimination under the law. We hope that Libya will make additional efforts to include women during the transition as a first step in combating gender-based discrimination.
We are encouraged by support for recommendations promoting domestic legislation that prohibits racial discrimination, including Thailand’s recommendation that Libya take necessary measures to guarantee that migrant workers are treated on a non-discriminatory basis. We also appreciate support for our recommendation that Libya enact legislation aimed at preventing human trafficking and implementing procedures to identify victims and ensure their protection. We are encouraged by Libya’s willingness to discuss these and others issues openly with us.
Thank you.