UN urges Libya probe into mass graves as EU backs peace efforts
On 4th June, The United Nations rights office called for an independent, impartial investigation following the discovery of mass graves at both official and unofficial detention centres in Libya’s capital, Tripoli. As reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) described the findings as evidence of “gross human rights violations,” marking a troubling confirmation of longstanding UN concerns.
The OHCHR expressed being “shocked” by the conditions uncovered at the sites, which reportedly contained dozens of bodies and tools believed to be used for torture and abuse. According to the agency, the discoveries substantiate prior UN findings that systemic human rights abuses have occurred within Libyan detention facilities.
“We call on the Libyan authorities to conduct independent, impartial and transparent investigations into these discoveries,” OHCHR said in a statement. The office further urged Libyan authorities to preserve all relevant evidence and grant full access to national forensic teams and United Nations experts to carry out thorough examinations.
Amid mounting concerns over the potential destabilising impact of these revelations, the European Union has reiterated its commitment to Libya’s fragile peace process. EU Ambassador to Libya Nicola Orlando emphasised the importance of safeguarding the country’s ceasefire and preventing any relapse into violence, stating he shared the UN’s stance that “no effort should be spared to preserve the ceasefire and prevent a return to violence.”
Orlando also met with Hanna Tetteh, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to coordinate efforts moving forward.
He noted that he and Tetteh exchanged “views on our respective outreach to Libyan and international partners,” and discussed “the next steps” in the political process being facilitated by UNSMIL. “Including how the EU can best support her efforts at this delicate juncture for Libya.”
The ambassador “reiterated the EU’s strong backing for her facilitation and commended the renewed sense of urgency she has brought through her consultations.”
Orlando underscored the importance of unity and coordination among Libyan political stakeholders, stating that he “stressed the need for all key actors to engage constructively with UNSMIL and avoid uncoordinated initiatives.”
The developments highlight the ongoing challenges facing Libya as it navigates a complex transition period. Both the UN and the EU continue to call for accountability, transparency, and international cooperation to uphold human rights and preserve peace.
Asharq Al-Awsat/ Maghrebi.org
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