Weekly News Update November 15-20, 2020
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres briefed the press ahead of his participation in the virtual #G20 Leaders’ Summit (21-22 November 2020) under the Saudi Arabia Presidency
Briefing by H.E. Munir Akram, 76th President of the Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, on his vision and priorities during his Presidency
International Day for Tolerance (16 November) - Message by President of the General Assembly H.E. Volkan Bozkır
The Libya Stabilization Act will mean accountability for abuses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 2020
CONTACT: Mariya Parodi, media@aiusa.org
Responding to the passage of H.R. 4644, the Libya Stabilization Act in Congress, Philippe Nassif, the advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa said:
“The Libya Stabilization Act could finally mean accountability for individuals who commit human rights violations and war crimes, violate the arms embargo in Libya, or threaten the peace, security, and stability of in the country. The passage of this bill creates a much-needed reporting mechanism on foreign interference in Libya, including for those who provide military support in violation of the United Nations arms embargo, threatening civilian lives. This bill directly addresses the root causes of the conflict and could have a meaningful impact on the human rights situation in the country.”
Amnesty International USA is calling on the Senate to pass the bill.
Background
Amnesty International USA has strongly supported H.R. 4644 due to the strong human rights language the bill has included. Libya has experienced untold suffering, with civilians bearing the brunt of years of conflict, insecurity and militia rule.
The bill authorizes U.S. support for efforts to strengthen good governance, promotes anti-corruption measures?, and supports economic recovery both during and after a negotiated political solution to the Libyan conflict. It also authorizes the Department of State and USAID to provide humanitarian assistance to Libyans and migrants, and requires the creation of a strategy to address the humanitarian situation in Libya. The bill seeks to advance diplomacy and calls for a political process under UN auspices, the implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and for the United States to leverage diplomacy to end the conflict in Libya.
This statement is available at: https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/the-libya-stabilization-act-will-mean-accountability-for-abuses/
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Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning global movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.
