Press release
A new United Nations report has underscored the urgent need for accountability for the grave human rights violations in Tarhuna, Libya, which spanned several years. The report, issued by the UN Human Rights Office and the UN Support Mission in Libya, documents a series of atrocities, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture, committed by the “Kaniyat” militia from 2016 to 2020. These violations have left deep scars on the community, affecting thousands of families.
The report provides a detailed account of over 280 individuals who were either missing or killed, with many buried in mass graves. Survivors and the families of victims have endured immense suffering and are now calling for justice. The UN’s findings are based on extensive interviews, official documents, and forensic evidence, painting a grim picture of systematic abuses under the control of the “Kaniyat” militia in Tarhuna.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized the importance of justice and accountability in healing and rebuilding the community. Türk stated, “The people of Tarhuna deserve justice for the horrific crimes they have endured, and it is imperative that Libyan authorities take immediate steps to ensure accountability and provide reparations to the victims and their families.”
The report also highlighted the failures of the Libyan judicial system to hold perpetrators accountable, calling for comprehensive reforms to ensure justice is served. The United Nations has urged Libyan authorities to thoroughly investigate these crimes and bring those responsible to justice, stressing that impunity must not prevail. The report encourages the international community to support Libya in this effort and to ensure respect for human rights and that victims receive the justice they deserve.
The call for accountability comes as Libya continues to grapple with a turbulent political landscape, underscoring the need for comprehensive efforts to address past violations and build a stable future.
