“There is a renewed push for justice in Libya, and we are now anticipating the first trial to be conducted at the Court regarding this matter,” stated Nazhat Shameem Khan to representatives. She highlighted the capture of alleged war criminal Khaled El Hishri by German authorities in July as “a clear illustration of the momentum we are generating.” Mr. El Hishri is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, perpetrated in Libya’s infamous Mitiga Prison from February 2015 through early 2020. His transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to occur shortly.
“A clear message”
“For far too long, the atrocities committed in detention centers across both western and eastern Libya have been seen as areas with no accountability,” Ms. Khan remarked. She emphasized that Mr. El Hishri’s case conveys “a clear message: those who have caused suffering in Libya are mistaken if they think they can evade justice.” Additionally, efforts are ongoing to apprehend and transfer other individuals wanted for war crimes, such as Osama Elmasry Njeem and Saif Suleiman Sneidel. Ms. Khan expressed optimism, stating, “Given the progress we are witnessing, I strongly believe there is a chance for us to demonstrate collective success through the collaboration of Libya, this Council, and the ICC.” This advancement has occurred “despite unprecedented challenges faced by the Court.” She underscored that “coercive measures and intimidation tactics aimed at the ICC, civil society, and other justice advocates only serve those who wish to benefit from impunity in Libya and in other contexts we address.”
UN Aid Office Condemns Recent Attacks in Ukraine
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported extensive assaults in Ukraine’s capital and various regions between Monday and Tuesday morning.
At least seven civilians lost their lives, and 20 were injured. The attacks caused damage to residential buildings, a pre-school, and a playground. Power, heating, and water supplies, which have already been under strain, were further disrupted. Authorities indicated that parts of Kharkiv experienced outages of electricity and water. Over 50,000 residents in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions are facing emergency power cuts. Nationwide, more than 100,000 consumers remain without electricity following the recent strikes.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric informed reporters that humanitarian partners are enhancing services to tackle gender-based violence across the country. By the end of October, nearly 360,000 women and girls had received assistance from 100 organizations. Matthias Schmale, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, denounced the “continuing pattern of significant civilian harm” resulting from the strikes and reminded that civilians are protected under international humanitarian law.
At least 127 Civilians Killed in Lebanon Since Ceasefire Agreement
Nearly a year after the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was established, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) continues to observe a rise in assaults by the Israeli military, according to Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan on Tuesday. In one of the most recent and deadly assaults last week, at least 13 civilians perished, with at least six others injured in the Ein El-Hilweh camp for Palestinian refugees.
“All the fatalities we have documented from this strike were civilians, raising serious concerns that the Israeli military’s actions may have contravened international humanitarian law principles regarding the conduct of hostilities,” Mr. Al-Kheetan cautioned, urging for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident. Since the ceasefire took effect on November 27, 2024, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 127 civilians in Lebanon.
Thousands Displaced
The attacks have also devastated civilian infrastructure, hindering reconstruction efforts and obstructing the return of internally displaced individuals to their homes. Over 64,000 people, primarily from southern Lebanon, remain displaced in various regions of the country. Mr. Al-Kheetan reported that Israel has begun constructing a wall that intrudes into Lebanese territory, rendering 4,000 square meters inaccessible to the local population, thus affecting their right to return to their lands. “All those internally displaced must be able to return to their homes, and reconstruction efforts should be supported, not obstructed.”
