The UN Human Rights Office and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) have called for individuals responsible for alleged human rights violations in Tarhuna, Libya, between 2013 and 2022 to be held accountable. In a report released on Friday, the UN agencies warned that the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators could exacerbate instability and division in the country.
The report specifically highlighted the actions of the Al-Kaniyat militia, which was accused of violations including abductions, sexual violence, ill-treatment, and killings. The report emphasized that the crimes committed in Tarhuna warrant special attention due to their widespread and systematic nature, and the significant impact on victims and their families. This is underscored by the near absence of justice and accountability for such crimes, states the report.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged that those responsible for these alleged violations be brought to justice and held accountable under fair trial standards and international due process. Stephanie Koury, Acting Head of UNSMIL and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political Affairs, warned that failing to address the root causes and drivers of conflict would perpetuate cycles of violence and revenge between communities.
The report recommended that Libyan authorities bolster the capacity of their special prosecution team to handle crimes committed in Tarhuna, establish a victim and witness protection system, and cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s investigation by sharing information and facilitating visits.
Libya has faced considerable turmoil since a NATO-backed revolt in 2011 led to competing militias ruling different regions. The most recent conflict concluded in 2020, but the nation remains divided and unstable. In a statement earlier this year, a UN official highlighted the need for Libya to unify its government to hold credible elections.
The situation in Tarhuna came to further international attention in July when the UNSMIL released a report documenting evidence of mass graves, estimating the existence of up to 100 undiscovered sites. According to the report, the Al-Kaniyat militia, which controlled Tarhuna from 2016 to 2020, was responsible for these mass killings and committed brutal acts of torture against residents, including women, children, the infirm, and the disabled.
Additionally, the UN’s Independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Libya has documented numerous atrocities committed during the Al-Kaniyat militia’s reign. A report from June 2022 by the FFM concluded that Libyan authorities engaged in crimes against humanity, war crimes, and significant human rights violations under international law. The FFM chair, Mohammad Aujjar, called for the international community to support the Libyan authorities in conducting prompt and compliant investigations to prosecute those responsible.
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