Agenda Item 10, Interactive Dialogue on Libya
Statement of the United States of America
30th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
September 29, 2015
Geneva
As delivered by Rob Waller
Thank you Mr. President.
We thank the High Commissioner and Special Representative Leon for their findings. The ongoing political and security crisis has prevented access to accurate and timely information on the human rights environment in Libya. We strongly support continued efforts by the OHCHR to report on the human rights situation.
Libya faces a dire human rights situation exacerbated by the ongoing political crisis. The deepening security and political crisis in Libya has resulted in the disintegration of rule of law, paralyzing reconciliation efforts and threatening the security of all.
We echo the High Commissioner and express grave concern about reported violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law committed by those on all sides of the conflict. Those violations and abuses have included politically motivated attacks and abductions. They also have included assassinations of government officials, judges, journalists, human rights activists, and other individuals. We also are deeply concerned by violations and abuses directed against women leaders, particularly women human rights defenders.
The lack of security and accountability for perpetrators of politically motivated violence against human rights defenders, journalists, and would-be government officials has left a vacuum of strong voices needed to challenge impunity and ensure an inclusive democratic future for Libya. We commend recent progress on the political negotiations in Skhirat. We continue to call for a peaceful resolution to ongoing negotiations and the formation of an inclusive Government of National Accord, the only real way to move toward ensuring justice, rule of law, and respect for the human rights of individuals in Libya.
Questions:
Has the current OHCHR investigation looked into cases involving the targeting of civil society activists like the 2014 killing of Salwa Bugaighis and other relevant cases?
In what concrete ways can OHCHR and the international community work to support and keep safe the diminishing human rights and activist community in Libya?
Thank you.