UN warns of rapidly deteriorating situation in Libya Morning Star Online
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UN warns of rapidly deteriorating situation in Libya - Morning Star Online
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Trafficking, torture, forced labour, extortion, starvation in intolerable conditions of detention are perpetrated at scalewith impunity, the High Commissioner for Human Rights told Member States.
Mass expulsions, the sale of human beings, including children are widespread in Libya, Mr. Trk continued, insisting that collusion between State and non-State actors was ongoing, with victims subject to dehumanization.
In a call to the Libyan authorities to investigate crimes against the many thousands of vulnerable people on the move, the High Commissioner also highlighted the discovery of a mass grave in March in southwest Libya containing the bodies of 65 presumed migrants.
As if this were not horrific enough, we are following up on reports of another mass grave recently discovered in the desert area at the Libyan-Tunisian borderThe loved ones of those who died have every right to know the truth, he said.
The High Commissioner also urged a review the longstanding arrangement between the European Union and the Libyan authorities tasked with intercepting migrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Independent rights experts and charities involved in search and rescue operationshave frequently criticized the arrangement, citing alleged reckless behaviour by the Libyan Coast Guard, including firing at or near migrant vessels and ramming boats to make them capsize, before returning the survivors to Libya.
In the 12 months since April 2023, more than 2,400 people died or went missing trying to cross the Central Mediterranean Sea, of whom more than 1,300 departed from Libya, Mr. Trk noted.
It is unconscionable that people in search of safety and dignity are suffering and dying in such unspeakable circumstances, he insisted. I remind all States of the collective responsibility under international law to save lives and prevent deaths at sea.
The High Commissioner also called for action to address the deaths of so many migrants and refugees heading to Libya via the Sahara Desert, following new estimates from the UN thattwice as many migrants likely die trying to cross the sands than in the Mediterranean Sea.
Just as those stark findings reflect the growing number of people attempting to make the Sahara crossing, pushed by new conflicts in the Sahel and Sudan, climate shocks and protracted emergencies in the East and Horn of Africa, the dangers for migrants and refugees in Libya come amid ongoing political instability and conflict that have divided the country since the overthrow of longtime President Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The volatile security situation also prevented UN rights monitors from fully accessing southern and eastern parts of the country, Mr. Trk continued, adding that investigators were also refused access to detention facilities and other locations across the country.
Highlighting a spike in arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances and detention-related violations inside Libya, the UN rights chief also expressed concern about the continued targeting of political opponents and dissenting voices. While the figure is likely to be higher and arrests continue, we have verified at least 60 cases of arbitrary detention of individuals who peacefully were exercising their right to express political views. In some cases, detention was followed by extra-judicial killing, he said, insisting that the ongoing lack of accountability for violations and abuses committed in 2011 remains one of the serious obstacles to reconciliation today and serves as a driver of conflict.
Less than a year since Storm Daniel caused catastrophic flooding in the coastal city of Derna, killing thousands, Mr. Trk maintained that the country remained plagued by deep insecurity, while ordinary Libyans endured economic hardship coupled with political exclusion.
Remedying the situation is possible, the UN human rights chief insisted, as he called for a rights-based, people-centred transitional justice and reconciliation process, a sustainable political settlement, the restoration of the rule of law - including accountability for human rights violations - and unified, legitimate institutions.
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Arbitrary detentions and impunity widespread in Libya, warns UNs Trk - Welcome to the United Nations
The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, urged on Tuesday Libyan authorities to investigate reports of a mass grave including the bodies of at least 65 migrants found last March in the desert in the northwest of the country.
Hundreds of irregular migrants flock to Libya through the Sahara Desert and across the southern Mediterranean to escape to Europe where they dream of a better life. But many of them presumably die due to thirst and are buried in mass graves.
Three months ago, the Libyan Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said it recovered 65 unidentified bodies of migrants in Wadi Al-Jahria, located in the Al-Shuwerf area, southwest of the country.
The Department did not disclose any details about the victims. However, the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) said the bodies belong to migrants who died while being smuggled across the desert, in Al-Shuwerf, southwest of the city of Gharyan.
Since the discovery of Grave 65, there have been no investigative results to clarify the truth of what the victims were exposed to in the desert.
Turk said on Tuesday that his office was following up on reports of a mass grave in the desert along the Libya-Tunisia border. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging Libyan authorities to promptly respond to inquiries and conduct a thorough investigation into these disturbing developments.
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he said, I urge the authorities to respond swiftly to our inquiries, and to investigate these crimes fully.
Turk then denounced widespread violations against migrants and refugees in Libya.
A source from the Gharyan Prosecution told Asharq Al-Awsat that the investigations, which kicked off on Tuesday will take time to reveal the identity of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their death, saying they probably died during the smuggling process through the desert by human trafficking gangs.
Libya is a major launching point for migrants trying to reach the European shores through dangerous routes across the desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday said that from 30 June to 6 July 2024, 598 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya.
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Mass Graves of Migrants in Libya: An End to a Dream for a Better Life in Europe - Asharq Al-awsat - English
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, General Commander of the Libyan National Army, held a meeting with Nikolaos Garilidis, the Ambassador of Greece to Libya, at the General Command Headquarters. The meeting also included the Consul General and the Military Attach of the Greek Embassy in Libya.
During the meeting, Haftar praised the relationship between Libya and Greece, highlighting the development of good neighborly relations and friendship between the two countries. He expressed his gratitude to Greece for its prompt response in providing relief equipment and rescue teams to Derna following the damages caused by the Daniel storm.
Ambassador Garilidis emphasized the importance of further developing and enhancing bilateral relations in the commercial, economic, and cultural fields to serve mutual interests. He also reiterated Greeces support for the efforts of the United Nations mission to advance the political process in Libya, aiming for the conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections.
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Marshal Haftar Meets with Greek Ambassador to Strengthen Bilateral Relations - Libya Update
On July 8, 2024, a crucial meeting took place in Rabat between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). This encounter, as highlighted by Stephanie Khoury, the acting special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, resulted in a mutual commitment to continue the dialogue regarding Libyas political process. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring stability and peace to Libya.
In a press statement following her discussions with Nasser Bourita, Moroccos Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Khoury emphasized the importance of sustaining the dialogue. We have agreed to continue the dialogue and discuss ways to advance the political process in Libya, under the auspices of the UN, for the benefit of the Libyan people, she stated. This commitment reflects a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges that Libya faces, and underscores the crucial roles that Morocco and the UN play in facilitating a resolution.
The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for Khoury and Bourita to exchange views on Libyas current difficulties and the needs of its people. Khoury underscored that advancing the political process in Libya remains a priority for UNSMIL. The discussions not only reaffirmed the necessity of ongoing dialogue but also highlighted the importance of addressing the immediate needs of the Libyan population.
Khourys working visit to Morocco is part of her inaugural tour of regional countries, aimed at exploring potential solutions to the Libyan political crisis. This proactive approach signifies the UNs unwavering dedication to fostering peace and stability in Libya, while Moroccos involvement underscores its pivotal role in regional diplomacy.
The collaboration between Morocco and the UN is not new; it builds on a history of constructive engagement and dialogue. Moroccos strategic position and its diplomatic relations with various Libyan factions make it an indispensable player in the peace process. By continuing to support UNSMILs efforts, Morocco reinforces its commitment to regional stability and showcases its diplomatic acumen.
The Libyan crisis, marked by prolonged conflict and political fragmentation, requires a concerted effort from the international community. The agreement between Morocco and the UN to continue dialogue is a beacon of hope, suggesting that through persistent and open communication, a pathway to peace is possible.
The needs of the Libyan people remain at the forefront of these discussions. The countrys prolonged instability has inflicted immense suffering, and addressing these humanitarian concerns is crucial. The dialogue facilitated by Morocco and the UN aims to not only advance the political process but also to deliver tangible benefits to the Libyan populace.
The journey toward peace in Libya is undoubtedly fraught with challenges. However, the steadfast commitment of Morocco and the UN to continue dialogue represents a significant step in the right direction. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of complex political crises, diplomacy and dialogue remain powerful tools for conflict resolution.
As the international community watches, the efforts of Morocco and the UN in Libya can serve as a model for resolving similar crises worldwide. Their partnership exemplifies how regional and international cooperation can pave the way for sustainable peace and development. The world must support these efforts, recognizing that the road to peace is built on the foundations of persistent dialogue and mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the agreement between Morocco and the UN to continue their dialogue on Libyas political process is a testament to their commitment to peace and stability. It highlights the importance of ongoing communication and the role of regional diplomacy in addressing global challenges. As these efforts progress, the hope for a stable and prosperous Libya becomes ever more attainable.
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Morocco And The UN: Paving The Path To Peace In Libya OpEd - Eurasia Review