The ICJ today called on UN Member States to ensure support for the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya (FFM) and called on this Council to renew its mandate.
The oral statement delivered during the interactive dialogue with the Fact Finding Mission reads as follows:
“Madam President,
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) reiterates its support for the work of the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya (FFM), and calls on this Council to renew its mandate.
Despite the cessation of active hostilities, gross human rights violations and abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, sexual and gender-based violence and enforced disappearances, continue to be committed in Libya, particularly by armed group members, with total impunity.
The FFM’s work is crucial to:
– enhancing accountability efforts by Libyan and international civil society organizations;
– furthering domestic accountability, including through criminal prosecutions and any future transitional justice process; and
– supporting criminal proceedings before the International Criminal Court or possibly in third countries through universal jurisdiction.
Due to the UN recruitment freeze and the ongoing pandemic, the FFM was only able to start its investigation in May 2021, with less than five months to complete it before the expiry of its mandate. This should not happen again: the FFM must be provided with adequate resources and time to effectively discharge its mandate.
The ICJ further calls on this Council to take all possible steps to ensure that the Libyan authorities fully cooperate with the FFM, including by allowing its staff unhindered access to victims, witnesses and any interested persons throughout Libya’s territory.
Thank you.”
Contact:
Massimo Frigo, ICJ UN Representative, e: massimo.frigo(a)icj.org, t: +41797499949