Statement as delivered by Kim D’Auria Vazira, U.S. Mission 22nd Session of the HRC Universal Periodic Review
Geneva,
May 13, 2015
The United States welcomes the Libyan delegation.
We acknowledge the immense difficulties you face in protecting human rights. The deepening security and political crisis and the disintegration of rule of law have paralyzed efforts to promote and protect human rights in Libya.
We express grave concern for the ongoing violations and abuses of human rights committed by combatants on all sides of the conflict. Libya lacks political agreement for a national unity government that could restore order to the country.
The country has experienced politically-motivated attacks, abductions, and assassinations of individuals, including government officials and actors in the human rights community and in the media. The ongoing security and political crisis has also led to smuggling and trafficking of migrants and refugees.
We recommend that Libya:
- Work through the UN process to finalize a political agreement as soon as possible and immediately begin the process of restoring rule of law and establishing necessary conditions and institutions for protecting human rights;
- Fully cooperate with international human rights procedures and institutions, including with the HRC fact-finding mission, with the aim of holding accountable those responsible for violations and abuses of human rights; and
- Take further steps to protect freedom of expression by creating an environment in which the media can operate freely, without discrimination, fear of retribution, or arbitrary punishment.
(end statement)