The Co-Chairs of the IHL and Human Rights Working Group stress that accountability for past crimes is essential for Libya’s reconciliation. They support the ICC’s role in investigating atrocities and emphasize victim-centered justice. The group calls for cooperation from UN member states to facilitate ICC’s efforts. They maintain that accountability fosters peace and is vital to Libya’s governance and human rights commitment.
The Co-Chairs of the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Working Group of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya, comprising representatives from the Netherlands, Switzerland, and UNSMIL, have once again emphasized their commitment to human rights, justice, and accountability during a recent meeting in The Hague with the International Criminal Court (ICC). They regard these principles as vital for achieving sustainable peace and reconciliation in Libya.
They conveyed, “We fully support the work of the ICC and reiterate the importance of investigating and prosecuting atrocity crimes perpetrated in Libya. The pursuit of justice must remain independent, impartial, and free from political interference.” This sentiment underscores the ICC’s critical role in ensuring accountability for crimes in Libya, as mandated by the United Nations Security Council through resolution 1970 in 2011.
The Co-Chairs further remarked, “We commend the ICC’s engagement to ensure credible, victim-centered accountability at both international and national levels.” They underscored the necessity of placing justice for victims and survivors at the forefront of Libya’s transitional efforts, asserting that impunity for international crimes is unacceptable. They called on all UN member states to collaborate with the ICC by facilitating access for investigators, executing arrest warrants, and bolstering domestic legal frameworks.
As Libya strives toward national reconciliation and democratic governance, the Co-Chairs reiterated that accountability for past atrocities should not hinder peace; instead, it is foundational to it. Their commitment remains steadfast in supporting Libya’s endeavors to promote human rights, uphold international humanitarian law, and break the cycle of impunity.
The statements from the Co-Chairs of the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Working Group reinforce the notion that accountability for previous crimes is essential, not detrimental, to reconciliation efforts in Libya. Their unwavering support for the ICC’s work reflects a commitment to establishing justice as a cornerstone of lasting peace. The international community is urged to actively participate in these accountability initiatives, ensuring that victims’ rights are prioritized in Libya’s transition.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
