Libya is witnessing a renewed push for justice, with Nazhat Shameem Khan highlighting the anticipation of the first trial at the Court concerning this situation. She noted that the arrest of Khaled El Hishri by German authorities in July exemplifies this growing momentum. El Hishri stands accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence at Libya’s Mitiga Prison from February 2015 to early 2020. His transfer to the ICC is expected soon.
A clear message
Ms. Khan emphasized that for too long, accountability for crimes in Libya’s detention facilities has been lacking. El Hishri’s case clearly signals that those responsible for suffering in Libya are not beyond justice’s reach. Efforts continue to apprehend other fugitives, such as Osama Elmasry Njeem and Saif Suleiman Sneidel, who allegedly committed war crimes.
She suggested that the current progress indicates a chance for collective success, based on the collaboration between Libya, the Council, and the ICC, despite significant challenges faced by the Court. Ms. Khan stressed that coercive measures and intimidation against the ICC, civil society, and justice partners only serve those who thrive on impunity in Libya and beyond.
UN aid office condemns latest attacks in Ukraine
The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) reported large-scale attacks in Ukraine’s capital and various regions from Monday to Tuesday morning, resulting in at least seven civilian deaths and 20 injuries. Residential buildings, a pre-school, and a playground were damaged. These attacks further disrupted vital services like electricity, heating, and water, with parts of Kharkiv affected and more than 50,000 people in Kyiv and Chernihiv facing emergency outages. Over 100,000 consumers remain without electricity nationwide due to these strikes.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric mentioned that humanitarian efforts are scaling up services to tackle gender-based violence, with nearly 360,000 women and girls receiving support from 100 organizations by the end of October. UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned the “ongoing pattern of massive civilian harm” from these strikes and reiterated that civilians are protected under international humanitarian law.
At least 127 civilians killed in Lebanon since ceasefire agreement
Nearly a year since the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) continues to observe increasing Israeli military attacks, according to Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan. A recent deadly attack in the Ein El-Hilweh camp for Palestinian refugees resulted in at least 13 civilian deaths and six injuries. All documented fatalities were civilians, raising concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law. Al-Kheetan called for a swift and impartial investigation into the strike.
Israeli military actions have led to at least 127 civilian deaths in Lebanon since the ceasefire agreement of 27 November 2024.
Thousands displaced
The strikes have destroyed civilian infrastructure and hindered reconstruction efforts and displaced people’s attempts to return home. Over 64,000 people, mainly from southern Lebanon, remain displaced within the country. Israel has begun constructing a wall that encroaches on Lebanese territory, making 4,000 square meters inaccessible, impacting people’s right to return to their lands. Al-Kheetan stressed the importance of enabling displaced individuals to return home and supporting reconstruction.
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