HRC48 - NB8 statement - Fact Finding Mission on the human rights situation in Libya

Human Rights Council – 48th session

Interactive dialogue with the Fact Finding Mission on the human rights situation in Libya

Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries

7 October 2021

I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Libya, with thousands of civilians being killed and injured, in enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, in arbitrary arrest and detention, and in sexual and gender-based violence.

We thank the Fact Finding Mission for its report and reiterate our strong support for its mandate. We conmmend the continued cooperation by the Libyan authorities with the mission, as evidenced by the visit in August. The work of the mission is essential in ensuring accountability. Thus, it’s mandate should b renewed for one year.

However, we are concerned that many witnesses have declined to engage with the mission because of fears for their safety. We echo the call by the mission to the Libyan authorities to ensure that everyone is free – and feels free – to cooperate with the mission.

We would like to ask: What immediate measures should the Government of National Unity take to best support the victims of torture and other ill treatment, arbitrary arrest and detention, and sexual and gender-based violence in Libya?