Geneva – Information Office – 21 March
The State of Qatar expressed concern about the report of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Libya and the continued fighting between Libyan parties and violations of international human rights law as well as the targeting of civilian facilities and the siege imposed on cities.
The State of Qatar renewed its support for the National Reconciliation Government and for all international mediation efforts aimed at ending the crisis and division in Libya, in addition to the full implementation of Skhirat Agreement, which will contribute to enhancing confidence among the Libyan parties, advancing the political and constitutional process, completing the transitional phase, achieving national reconciliation, and preserving Libya's unity and sovereignty.
This came in a statement delivered by the Second Secretary of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office at Geneva Abdulla Khalifa Al Sowaidi at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council and during the interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Libya.
Al Sowaidi expressed Qatar's concern about the continuing impunity for persons accused of human rights violations in Libya. He said that the multiplicity and difficulty of the challenges faced by Libya, such as the deterioration of the humanitarian, economic and service conditions, as well as the increase in the flow of refugees and migrants, and the struggle against terrorism, require all Libyan parties to take responsibility and mobilizing national efforts to maintain security, extend state sovereignty over all of its territory, protect its borders, preserve its resources, ensure law enforcement and achieve justice.
Al Sowaidi added that Qatar is concerned about the situation of migrants mentioned in the report as they are subjected to numerous human rights violations such as arbitrary detention, torture, exploitation, violence, and murder. He called on the Libyan government to take all necessary measures to address these violations and hold those responsible accountable.
The State of Qatar's statement urged the international community to continue to provide technical assistance and support to the Government of Libya in line with the needs it identifies and requests in order to help it build state institutions based on the principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as well as upgrading performance in accordance with relevant international standards.
Al Sowaidi thanked Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour for presenting the report of the High Commissioner. He expressed hope that this dialogue will contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Libya.