Ávarp í umræðum um mannréttindaástandið í Líbíu

HRC43

Mr./Madame President,

I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.

We thank the High Commissioner for her report and remain thankful for OHCHR continued support of the human rights mandate of UNSMIL.

We take note of incidents documented by UNSMIL/OHCHR and condemn in the strongest terms attacks against civilians, including journalists and human rights defenders, as well as attacks on civilian objects, such as schools and health-care facilities. The killing of persons taking no active part in the hostilities is a direct violation of the Geneva Conventions and may amount to a war crime.

We are also gravely alarmed by cases documented by UNSMIL/OHCHR that women were subjected to enforced disappearance, sexual violence, prolonged arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment.

Mr./Madame President,

We agree with the High Commissioner that the Council has a unique opportunity to now take concrete steps to counter impunity and promote accountability in Libya by establishing an international mechanism and we thank the Libyans for their leadership in this regard.

High Commissioner, what immediate measures can the Government of National Accord take to protect women and girls from violence in law, policy and practice?

I thank you.