The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called for an independent investigation following the discovery of mass graves at detention centres in Tripoli, Libya.
The graves, found at both official and unofficial facilities operated by the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), have raised alarm over widespread human rights abuses.
In a statement on Wednesday, the UN rights office expressed shock over the violations, including the apparent use of torture and abuse at the detention sites. “We call on the Libyan authorities to conduct independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into these discoveries,” the OHCHR said, urging authorities to preserve evidence and provide full access to forensic experts and UN investigators.
The SSA, established under the Presidential Council and operating within the Government of National Unity led by Abdulhamid Dbeibah, was originally intended to uphold the rule of law. However, Libya’s fragile political landscape has undermined such efforts. Since the NATO-backed overthrow of Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been plagued by chaos and conflict, divided between rival factions vying for power and control of its vast oil wealth.
The OHCHR noted that the recent findings confirmed its long-held concerns about systemic abuses in Libyan detention facilities. The situation remains volatile, with armed clashes breaking out in Tripoli earlier this week. Residents reported hearing gunfire across the city following rumours that a powerful militia commander had been killed.
While a 2020 ceasefire brought a temporary halt to full-scale conflict, Libya continues to suffer from political paralysis, periodic violence, and a lack of accountability. The UN has reiterated its call for justice, pressing Libyan authorities to take swift action to protect human rights and restore the rule of law.