Families of missing persons from Derna, Tripoli's suburb of Tarhuna, Tawergha, and Murzuq, along with Libyan institutions and civil society organizations, have urged the adoption of a draft law on missing persons and victims of enforced disappearance. They also seek a roadmap for Libya's accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. This appeal was made during a meeting in Tripoli, attended by around 30 individuals representing victim families' associations, civil society organizations, and officials from the Presidential Council, House of Representatives, and concerned authorities.
The meeting, facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, aimed to address the plight of families of missing persons and push for legislative and procedural reforms. Participants emphasized the need to align Libyan legislation with international standards, particularly in relation to the rights of families of missing persons. They also called for the revival of a draft law on missing persons, which has been submitted to the House of Representatives, to ensure it encompasses the legal, social, economic, hereditary, and financial rights of families.
Families of missing persons from Derna specifically demanded the acceleration of DNA identification processes and notification of results to families, nearly three years after a devastating flood that resulted in thousands of deaths and missing persons. The UN mission reported that technical difficulties, resource shortages, and the electricity crisis continue to hinder the preservation of remains and identification processes.
In Tarhuna, families of missing persons have requested the resumption of excavation works in an area known as the "Triangle of Death," where at least 66 missing persons are believed to be buried. Meanwhile, families from Tawergha called for renewed search and excavation efforts in the city's outskirts for missing persons dating back to 2011. They also sought facilitation of procedures related to death certificates and associated rights.
Participants stressed the need to expand fieldwork in the eastern and southern regions, establishing operational offices to enable direct communication with families and facilitate search, identification, and repatriation processes. They also emphasized the importance of addressing enforced disappearance cases, providing necessary resources and equipment, and sustaining excavation and investigation efforts.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to prepare a legal survey of Libyan legislation in light of the International Convention and work towards resolving the issue of equipment shortages hindering excavation works. Participants also committed to continued coordination between families of missing persons and official institutions to ensure recognition of victims, reparations, and guarantees of legal and social rights for affected families.
The Libyan authorities, along with the international community, face mounting pressure to address the longstanding issue of missing persons and enforced disappearances in the country. The adoption of a comprehensive law and the implementation of a national strategy to uncover the fate of missing persons are seen as crucial steps towards providing closure and justice for the affected families.
Key points
- Libyan families of missing persons call for a comprehensive law to address their plight and ensure their rights.
- Participants urge the Libyan government to accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
- The UN Support Mission in Libya facilitates dialogue between families of missing persons, civil society, and government officials to push for reforms and solutions.
