Libya Crimes Watch (LCW) is following the outcomes of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), during which Libya accepted 206 out of 280 recommendations. These recommendations addressed key issues, including ending arbitrary detention, combating impunity, protecting public freedoms, and strengthening cooperation with international mechanisms. However, their acceptance alone is insufficient to indicate any real improvement in Libya’s human rights situation.
LCW contributed to this cycle by submitting an individual stakeholder report, as well as three joint submissions with regional and international organisations. These reports focused on patterns of serious violations, the continued prevalence of impunity, and the need to ensure accountability and protect fundamental rights and freedoms. LCW also monitored Libya’s commitments to implement the recommendations it accepted during the previous cycle in 2020, participated in the 50th pre-session of the UPR related to Libya and engaged in informal meetings between civil society and the European Union (EU) on the same track.
LCW considers that the outcomes of this cycle should not be viewed in isolation from how the Libyan authorities dealt with the previous cycle’s recommendations. Libya had accepted 181 recommendations, yet this was not reflected in any genuine implementation, particularly with regard to ending arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance and ensuring freedom of expression and association. Indicators drawn from LCW’s database over recent years show that formal acceptance of recommendations has not led to tangible improvements in the country’s human rights reality.
LCW also finds that the nature of the recommendations accepted in this cycle reflects the same approach, with authorities accepting general recommendations or those that do not impose clear structural obligations, while rejecting or reserving on recommendations addressing more sensitive issues. These include aspects related to individual freedoms, alignment with international standards, and accountability guarantees.
Accordingly, LCW stresses that the real challenge lies not in the number of recommendations accepted, but in their implementation and in the Libyan authorities’ genuine political will to end serious violations and hold those responsible accountable. The continued acceptance of recommendations without implementation does not constitute progress; rather, it deepens the gap between Libya’s international obligations and the reality of human rights on the ground.
LCW calls on the Human Rights Council (HRC) to seriously consider appointing a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Libya, to ensure independent and regular international monitoring and to strengthen oversight of the Libyan authorities’ compliance with their international obligations.
LCW also calls on the Libyan authorities to adopt a clear and transparent plan to implement the accepted recommendations, including specific timelines, the explicit identification of responsible entities, and a commitment to issuing periodic progress reports. This would enable independent assessment of compliance and ensure accountability for any failure or delay in implementing these obligations in line with international human rights standards.
