OHCHR in Libya

Profile

The Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Service (HRS) serves as the human rights component of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The Office operates in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2486 (2019) to monitor and report on the human rights situation, advocate for protection, support transitional justice processes and strengthen rule of law institutions. The Chief of HRS also represents the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Libya. OHCHR’s operations are further guided by the Human Rights Council resolution 40/27 to monitor the observance of human rights and humanitarian law in Libya, including on implementation of technical assistance and capacity building to support the efforts of the Government of National Accord (GNA) to prevent violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, protect victims, and ensure prosecution of perpetrators of violations.

Following the outbreak of renewed conflict in Tripoli on 4 April 2019, the Office continued its operations with a significantly reduced presence in Tripoli and occasional missions to other parts of the country, complemented by remote support provided by staff in Tunis.

The Office supports rights holders and victims of violations of human rights and humanitarian law, with particular attention to marginalized and vulnerable groups, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as well as women, children, and detained persons. The Office works with GNA authorities with legal obligations under international law, including executive, legislative and judicial bodies, and with relevant non-State actors. The Office also partners with other United Nations actors and international human rights mechanisms, the international community, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations and the media.

Pursuant to its mandates, the Office submits periodic reports to the Human Rights Council and the Security Council and also informs discussions at and reports to other United Nations bodies. The Office is involved in the spectrum of United Nations engagement from peace and security to humanitarian response to development, providing the human rights perspective informed by field experience. The Chief is a member of the United Nations Country Team, the Humanitarian Country Team, and Security Management Team, and the Office also participates in the Protection Cluster.

UN Human Rights Focus Areas

Last reviewed: May 2021