Universal Periodic Review of the State of Libya –  11 November 2020 – Intervention by the delegation of Estonia

Estonia welcomes the delegation of the State of Libya to the UPR.

We thank the State of Libya for their work in preparing the report and for the additional information provided in the opening speech.

Estonia welcomes the permanent ceasefire agreement signed by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission on 23 October in Geneva following talks facilitated by the United Nations. This is a most necessary step towards bringing peace to people in Libya.

We are deeply worried that since the last UPR, the human rights situation in Libya has not improved, and has even deteriorated in a number of areas. Grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law are widespread and continue to be committed with impunity. Thousands of people are victims of indefinite and illegal detention.

We are also gravely concerned about the situation of vulnerable and marginalised groups in Libya. Even though there has been some progress concerning official detention centres, the situation with unofficial detention facilities is still worrying. The detention centres and the system of arbitrary detention that is still in place are especially concerning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estonia would like to make the following recommendations:

– Review the Penal Code, Terrorism Law, the Civic Associations Law and the Publications Law as restrictive legal framework on freedom of expression, as well as freedom of assembly and association and bring it in line with international standards.

– Hold accountable those responsible for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and abuses of human rights in accordance with international standards.

– Accede to and fully align its national legislation with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

– Review all laws and practices that discriminate based on gender and that limit women’s participation in political process and social life.

– Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT).

Thank you!