*Lawyers for Justice in Libya commends Prime Minister, looks forward to successful Human Rights Council Session

Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) commends Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan for vowing to step up Libya’s human rights commitments during his speech at the United Nations 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) on Tuesday. Prime Minister Zeidan said it was time to focus on reestablishing the rule of law and human rights in Libya and that the government is working to achieve the objectives of those who lost their lives.

“The changing government tone is a promising sign, “said LFJL Director Elham Saudi. “Human rights have been placed near the bottom of the government’s agenda during the transition.  In order to make an impact and bring human rights to the forefront, the government must turn this positive rhetoric into effective action. We look forward to engaging with the Libyan government to improve the human rights situation in Libya and encourage the Libyan government to cooperate with civil society in overcoming these challenges,” Saudi added.

LFJL will be attending the 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council and will be advocating for more transparency of the human rights situation in Libya.  LFJL is joining more than five international organisations calling for OHCHR reporting and monitoring of human rights violations in Libya.

“Monitoring and reporting human rights violations to the Libyan people and the international community are steps the Libyan government can take to demonstrate that its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights is real and not only found in speeches.  Such steps will not only ensure transparency but will encourage accountability and demonstrate a concrete step towards ending the culture of impunity,” said Director Elham Saudi.

LFJL and Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) will be holding a side event on Libya during the HRC Session on 8 March. The event entitled “The Long Road Ahead – The Struggle for Human Rights and Democracy in Libya” will discuss the human rights violations of the past and the challenges Libya faces ahead as the country begins the constitution-making process.

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For more information on the event, keep posted to our website: www.libyanjustice.org