The UK government has been criticised by human rights groups for neglecting Libya.
Along with NATO, the UK helped bring down Gadafi and his regime and install the National Transition Council. But growing evidence shows that this has not helped to ‘free’ Libyans. Suppression of freedom of speech, threat of prison for criticising Libyan people or institutions and torture are widely reported.
Following its intervention, the UK has a “moral responsibility to promote greater respect for human rights” (Human Rights Watch). It is clear that it has not upheld its own commitment to “pursue every opportunity to promote human rights” and tackle violations. The independent monitors on violations that should have been set up are not there and the Libyans are suffering.
We want the UK government to do more to prevent human rights violations in Libya. Please support us by signing and sharing this petition.
To the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, UK Government
We, the undersigned, believe that the UK has failed in is pledge to promote human rights following its intervention in Libya. We are calling for stronger action to be taken to assure that the new authorities do not follow the same path as the previous regime, specifically, to implement independent monitors on violations.
Following the intervention by UK and NATO in December 2011, the UK government has a moral responsibility to ensure that the Libyan people are granted what they campaigned so passionately for. The Foreign Office website states, “We have been clear with that all those committing human rights abuses and atrocities in Libya must be brought to justice.” However, despite the this promise, there are widespread reports of the suppression of freedom of speech, threat of prison for criticising Libyan people or institutions and torture by the authorities.
Amnesty International has reported, “torture and other severe human rights abuses by entities of the new government” as well as the National Transition Council passing a law which impinges on the people’s freedom of speech (Law 37 of 2012 on the Criminalization of the Glorification of the Dictator). Furthermore, Human Rights Watch has documented, “ongoing killings, torture, and forced displacement by militias,” in particular of the people of Tawergha.
We call on the UK Government to take urgent action to uphold its commitment of promoting human rights in Libya.
Thank you for your attention.
