Universal Periodic Review - Libya 2025 | Factsheet

What is the UPR?

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) through which the human rights records of all Member States are reviewed every four to five years. Each UPR cycle, States provide recommendations to each other on key human rights concerns, and civil society organisations (CSOs) from around the world also participate by submitting reports and providing input. Though implementation of these recommendations is voluntary, the UPR promotes accountability, transparency, and cooperation in improving human rights globally.

How has Libya performed?

Libya has participated in three full UPR cycles, in 2010, 2015 and 2020 respectively. Since its most recent cycle, Libya accepted 186 out of 285 recommendations. However, in reality, Libya has failed to deliver meaningful reforms, and in several respects, the situation has deteriorated further due to ongoing political fragmentation, weakened judicial institutions, and entrenched impunity for serious human rights abuses.

What now?

In April 2025, the undersigned organisations submitted their assessments to this cycle, focusing on selected critical themes: civic space, women's rights, enforced disappearances, impunity for human rights violations, and an emerging concern on Libya’s disaster response. These areas have been chosen based on their systemic nature, their acute impact on rights-holders, and the lack of progress since the last UPR.

This month, Libya will submit its national report. Libya’s fourth UPR cycle in front of the UN HRC is scheduled for 1 November, 2025, where UPR Working Group will review Libya’s human rights situation since the last cycle, evaluate Libya’s progress on recommendations from 2020, and present new concerns based on civil society, UN reports, and Libya's own national report.

Why is this important?

The 2025 UPR presents a crucial juncture: a structured opportunity for Libya to re-commit to human rights reforms, rectify critical systemic failures, and re-engage with international monitoring mechanisms.

Read the full factsheet in English and Arabic

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DEFENDER CENTER

ENSAF

I AM LIBYAN AND MY SON IS A FOREIGNER

LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE IN LIBYA

TAHRA

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