UN brings evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes since 2016 in Libya

“Our investigations have established that all parties to the conflicts, including third States, foreign fighters and mercenaries, have violated international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of proportionality and distinction, and some have also committed crimes of war. "

After examining hundreds of documents, interviewing more than 150 people and carrying out investigations in Libya, Tunisia and Italy, the Independent Fact-Finding Mission, created in 2020 to investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses. international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed in Libya since 2016, has just issued its investigation report.

And according to this Mission, "There are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes have been committed in Libya, while violence perpetrated in prisons and against migrants may constitute crimes against humanity".

Mohamed Auajjar is president of this fact-finding mission. He denounces "war crimes" and the violation of "international humanitarian law".

“Our investigations have established that all parties to the conflicts, including third States, foreign fighters and mercenaries, have violated international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of proportionality and distinction, and some have also committed crimes of war. "

The report testifies to the "dramatic impact" of the violence "on the economic, social and cultural rights of Libyans". Mohamed Auajjar recalls in this regard the "dozens of families" killed by the air strikes, "the destruction of health establishments", as well as "the anti-personnel mines left by mercenaries in residential areas [which] killed and mutilated civilians. ".

Other victims of violence, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Chaloka Beyani, expert in human rights, participated in this Mission. He denounces "a litany of abuses at sea, in detention centers and at the hands of traffickers", but also the involvement of the State.

“Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees are subjected to a litany of abuse at sea, in detention centers and at the hands of traffickers. Our investigations indicate that violations against migrants are committed on a large scale by state and non-state actors, with a high level of organization and with the encouragement of the state, suggesting crimes against humanity. "

Expert Tracy Robinson reports on the violence of Libyan prisons. She says, "it can also potentially constitute crimes against humanity."

“Violence in Libyan prisons is committed on such a scale and with such a level of organization that it can also potentially constitute crimes against humanity. "

The report, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday, calls for the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission to be extended by one year.

MC

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