By Tamer Aboalenin GENEVA, March 15 (KUNA) — Member and observer states in the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Thursday welcomed outcome of the universal periodic review (UPR) of Libya.
Morocco said that Libya had shown its commitment to human rights while respecting the traditional culture of its people. The Government had accepted most of the recommendations that the former regime had rejected. The Council should take seriously the substantive efforts in legislative, constitutional and institutional reforms, including the law on transitional justice and the establishment of a national human rights institute.
Algeria said it took note of the important measures undertaken in a short time span, which showed how committed the Government of Libya was to the promotion and protection of human rights. Most of the recommendations had been accepted and Algeria understood the position of Libya on questions that were not of a universal nature.
Tunisia said that the acceptance by Libya of the recommendations rejected by the old regime reflected the commitment of the new Government to the promotion and protection of human rights. The involvement of civil society in the elaboration of the report was commended. Libya would further consolidate the progress made since the revolution by electing a Parliament in June 2012. Tunisia called on the Council and the international community to support the efforts of Libya in that regard.
Meanwhile, Egypt said that Libya had shown its commitment to international human rights and Egypt valued the efforts made by the Government to implement the recommendations it had accepted.
Malaysia said that the Government of Libya had demonstrated a positive and constructive approach in accepting a number of recommendations in its UPR. Malaysia noted, with encouragement, the Government’s preparedness to strengthen and deepen interaction with the relevant international human rights mechanisms.
The United States welcomed the adoption of the majority of recommendations by Libya and looked forward to continuing cooperation with it in the current sensitive period.
The United States appreciated the support of Libya in implementing a definition of torture consistent with international obligations and establishing domestic legislation to abolish torture.
Libya’s attention to recommendations to combat discrimination against women and to promote women’s rights was welcomed and the United States hoped that Libya would make additional efforts, said the USA.
Italy strongly encouraged the new Libya to be based on the rule of law and appreciated the authorities’ acceptance of recommendations the previous regime had rejected. Ensuring accountability for human rights violations was vital for the people of Libya and of the Mediterranean region, as was the protection of all segments of the society in the spirit of reconciliation. Libya should avail itself to the assistance that could be provided by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to that effect. (end) ta.hb KUNA 151550 Mar 12NNNN
