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Refugees

Systematic Abuse in Libya's Migrant Detention Centres Amounts to Crimes Against Humanity, Says Rights Investigators

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Top rights investigators have revealed that many of Libya's migrant detention centres remain places of "terrible and systematic abuse", which may amount to crimes against humanity. The investigators, part of the Fact-Finding Mission on Libya, have uncovered further evidence of serious rights violations, including new information on 20 detention facilities and secret prison networks allegedly controlled by armed militias. These findings were announced on the sidelines of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, with the team's report set to be presented to the Council on Wednesday. The situation in Libya is further complicated by ongoing violence and lawlessness, with tensions remaining high after national elections were postponed last December.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fact-Finding Mission on Libya has uncovered evidence of systematic abuse in migrant detention centres, which may amount to crimes against humanity.
  • The investigators have identified 20 detention facilities, including unofficial and secret prison networks allegedly controlled by armed militias.
  • The situation in Libya is marked by ongoing violence and lawlessness, with tensions remaining high after national elections were postponed last December.
  • The Human Rights Council is set to hear a report from the Fact-Finding Mission on Wednesday, detailing the serious rights violations uncovered during the investigation.
  • The report highlights the ongoing impunity for attacks against women politicians, civil society organizations, activists, human rights defenders, and journalists.
  • A group of armed men surrounded the Court of Appeal, hindering the country's transition to peace, democracy, and the rule of law.
  • The Child victims in Libya, including two brothers, ages 6, 7, and 16, were killed or injured by explosive remnants of war.

Statistics:

  • At least 26 children in Libya were killed or injured by explosive remnants of war last year alone.
  • The Human Rights Council is set to present a report from the Fact-Finding Mission on Wednesday.
  • There are currently two competing governments in Libya, since national elections were postponed last December.
  • The UN Secretary-General has appealed for a ceasefire to avoid a "bloody battle for Tripoli", amid fighting in and around the capital.

Sources:

  • UN News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • UNICEF (http://www.unicef.org/)
  • United Nations Human Rights Council (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/Home.aspx)
  • Contify.com (http://contify.com/)

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