Human Rights Council 37th Session (26 February – 23 March)

Item10 – Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on Libya

Statement of Ireland

21 March 2018 

Thank you Mr. Vice President

Ireland wishes to align itself with the statement of the European Union, and thanks the High Commissioner for his report.

We commend the work of UN Special Representative, Mr. Ghassan Salamé, fully support his Action Plan for Libya, and encourage all stakeholders to engage with the Special Representative in his efforts to advance peace.

Mr. Vice President,

Ireland expresses its deep concern at the grave and ongoing human rights violations in Libya which result from a culture of impunity, due in part to the weakness of government institutions and a vacuum of state authority.

We welcome progress made in voluntary repatriations of migrants. However, we remain gravely concerned at the inhumane conditions in which thousands of migrants are being detained, and especially at reports of torture and violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, being perpetrated against migrants.

Restoring the rule of law to Libya is a necessity to ensure protection of migrants in the long term, as well as ensuring an orderly migration process.

Ireland is concerned by the High Commissioner’s reporting on continued discrimination in law and in practice against women, and is particularly concerned at reports of the arbitrary detention of women and children.

Ireland reiterates its strong support for an inclusive political solution that is Libyan-owned and Libyan-led. This remains the only way forward for the Libyan people, and we call on all actors to engage meaningfully in such a process.

Thank you.