UN condemns Libya’s African slave trade

The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned the slave trade of
African migrants in Libya as “heinous human rights abuses which may
also amount to crimes against humanity,” and called on those
responsible to be held to account.

In a statement read out to a formal meeting by Amb. Koro Bessho
of Japan, Council President for December, the 15-member body
expressed “grave concern” at reports of migrants being sold into
slavery in Libya.

The Council emphasised that all migrants should be treated with
humanity and dignity and that their rights should be fully
respected.

The Council urged the Libyan authorities and all Member States
to comply with their obligations under international law and
stressed the need to transfer detainees to State authority.

The Council also encouraged those authorities to reinforce
cooperation with international organisations and UN agencies and to
ensure full humanitarian access to detention centres.

The Council welcomed the statement by the Presidency Council of
the Government of National Accord of Libya denouncing trafficking
in persons, including for the purpose of slavery, inside or outside
the country.

The 15-member body noted that Libyan authorities had launched an
investigation and were committed to bringing perpetrators to
justice.

The Council also welcomed statements by the AU calling for an
immediate end to such practices and by the UN Secretary‑General
requesting United Nations actors to actively pursue the matter.

Reaffirming support for the Action Plan for Libya, the Council
emphasised that a stable Libya was the only way to help improve the
living conditions of all people in the country, including
migrants.

The Council also underlined the need for all actors to cooperate
with the Government of National Accord of Libya, including
assisting the country to build capacity to secure its borders and
end human trafficking.

The Council urged ratification and implementation of
international instruments that countered such trafficking by all
Member States.

The Council encouraged cooperation between the European Union,
the AU and the UN to protect the lives of migrants and refugees
along migration routes, inside Libya in particular.

In addition, it underlined the need for coordination of efforts
to tackle the root causes of large movements of people.

This includes forced displacement, unmanaged migration and
trafficking, in a comprehensive manner to prevent exploitation of
refugees and migrants as well as for implementation of the 2030
Agendafor Sustainable Development. (NAN)

The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned the slave trade of
African migrants in Libya as “heinous human rights abuses which may
also amount to crimes against humanity,” and called on those
responsible to be held to account.

In a statement read out to a formal meeting by Amb. Koro Bessho
of Japan, Council President for December, the 15-member body
expressed “grave concern” at reports of migrants being sold into
slavery in Libya.

The Council emphasised that all migrants should be treated with
humanity and dignity and that their rights should be fully
respected.

The Council urged the Libyan authorities and all Member States
to comply with their obligations under international law and
stressed the need to transfer detainees to State authority.

The Council also encouraged those authorities to reinforce
cooperation with international organisations and UN agencies and to
ensure full humanitarian access to detention centres.

The Council welcomed the statement by the Presidency Council of
the Government of National Accord of Libya denouncing trafficking
in persons, including for the purpose of slavery, inside or outside
the country.

The 15-member body noted that Libyan authorities had launched an
investigation and were committed to bringing perpetrators to
justice.

The Council also welcomed statements by the AU calling for an
immediate end to such practices and by the UN Secretary‑General
requesting United Nations actors to actively pursue the matter.

Reaffirming support for the Action Plan for Libya, the Council
emphasised that a stable Libya was the only way to help improve the
living conditions of all people in the country, including
migrants.

The Council also underlined the need for all actors to cooperate
with the Government of National Accord of Libya, including
assisting the country to build capacity to secure its borders and
end human trafficking.

The Council urged ratification and implementation of
international instruments that countered such trafficking by all
Member States.

The Council encouraged cooperation between the European Union,
the AU and the UN to protect the lives of migrants and refugees
along migration routes, inside Libya in particular.

In addition, it underlined the need for coordination of efforts
to tackle the root causes of large movements of people.

This includes forced displacement, unmanaged migration and
trafficking, in a comprehensive manner to prevent exploitation of
refugees and migrants as well as for implementation of the 2030
Agendafor Sustainable Development. (NAN)