EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue on technical cooperation and capacity building in Libya

EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue on technical cooperation and capacity building in Libya

United Nations Human Rights Council

60^th session

Interactive Dialogue on technical cooperation and capacity building in Libya

2 October 2025

EU statement

Mr President,

The EU thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for their important work and welcomes its report. We commend Libya's decision to seek renewal of the Item 10 mandate and welcome the extended cooperation with OHCHR, in particular by granting partial access to the detention sites in Eastern and Western Libya. We call on Libya to continue on this path by expanding its cooperation further and granting unhindered, safe and full access throughout the country.

Strengthening the accountability and criminal justice architecture in Libya remains key - in this regard we commend the decision to accept the ICC's jurisdiction until 2027.

Today, the human rights situation in Libya is extremely concerning: the reports of deaths and significant destruction that have occurred during the May 2025 clashes are dire. We condemn the human rights violations and abuses, and the systematic repression of civic space in Libya and call for accountability of those responsible. The large-scale demonstrations that followed these clashes reflect public mistrust and frustration. We urge Libyan authorities to respect freedom of expression, the press, assembly and association, to respect, protect and fulfil human rights.

Inhumane conditions in Libyan detention centres continue to be of deep concern and need to rapidly improve and those responsible held to account. In this regard, the EU strongly echoes OHCHRs call to immediately close all unofficial detention centres, and urge Libyan authorities to end all enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions immediately.

In closing, we underline once more that the EU stands ready to work with Libya, hand in hand with OHCHR and UNSMIL, in improving the human rights situation in the country and supporting its path to a safe, peaceful and united Libya for all its citizens.

Thank you.