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LONDON, February 16, 2012 (AFP)
Britain on Thursday announced it would host a meeting with Libya to help enforce human rights in the post-conflict nation as the first anniversary of its revolution approaches.
Human rights groups, who have charged Libya’s regular army and armed militias of torturing and killing loyalists of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi, are also expected to attend the London conference.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Libyans “can be proud of how much they have achieved”, but warned of challenges in rebuilding the country
following the uprising which began on the streets of Benghazi on February 17 last year.
“The UK shares the ambitions of Libyans for a stable, prosperous country based on respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights,” Hague said in a
statement issued by the Foreign Office on Thursday.
“Today we reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting Libyans in realising their ambitions.”
Hague revealed talks would be held in the spring to help the country’s transitional government “take urgent steps to implement commitments made on upholding human rights” and ensure the claims were being addressed.
Rights group Amnesty International said on Thursday armed militias were committing widespread human rights abuses, creating instability and obstructing efforts to rebuild the country.
Despite the reports, Hague said Libya’s future was “far brighter than it was a year ago” and praised the example it had set to people living under dictatorships around the world.
Britain also pledged an extra £1 million ($1.6 million, 1.2 million euros) towards the UN’s programme for clearing mines in Libya and expert advice to help promote the rule of law.
Britain was at the forefront of international efforts to support Libya’s rebels against Kadhafi’s regime, launching UN-mandated military action with France and the United States in March before NATO took over.
