Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Approximately 15 months after the Libyan uprising began it is clear the Libyan people, supported by the international community, are making progress towards establishing a democratic and functioning state. However, as the Deputy indicated, major challenges remain.

Ireland has engaged actively on this issue in the UN and EU frameworks, lending support to international efforts to promote reconciliation in the country and to help transform Libya into a properly functioning democracy in which the rule of law is fully respected and basic human rights are guaranteed for all. In this context, we wholeheartedly welcomed the establishment of the United Nations support mission for Libya, UNSMIL. We strongly support the work of the mission in leading the international community's practical assistance during the transition period. This assistance is being provided in support of Libya's own efforts in a range of areas, including the restoration of public security and order, the promotion of the rule of law, the restoration of public services and support for human rights.

Respect for and the promotion of human rights remains a cornerstone of Ireland's foreign policy, as is evidenced by our candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council. We pay unfaltering attention, across the globe and more particularly in countries such as Libya which are emerging from authoritarian and repressive rule, to the development of a genuine democratic and human rights culture, supported by effective institutions that promote and defend basic rights and freedoms.

In this regard, in March Ireland co-sponsored a resolution in the UN Human Rights Council which welcomed the establishment by the interim government of the Council of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Libya and which, in addition, commended the preparations being made for the elections of the Libyan National Congress which are scheduled to take place next month. These are critical elections in terms of determining Libya's future course as a democratic nation and it is very important they should proceed on schedule.

The issue of accountability for the many serious human rights violations which occurred during last year's conflict is crucial. The International Criminal Court has issued warrants for the arrests of two of the principal figures in the Gadaffi regime, namely Gadaffi's son, Saif Al-Islam, and his intelligence chief, Abdullah Al-Senussi. Libya is seeking to try Saif Al-lslam in Libya and the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC will now have to issue a ruling on this. The important issue is that all countries, including Mauritania which has detained Abdullah Al-Senussi in custody, co-operate fully with the efforts of the ICC to achieve justice for Gadaffi's many victims in Libya.

The need to improve security and to establish the rule of law in Libya is also urgent. I am seriously concerned at recent reports to the effect that some of the armed militias in Libya are, as the Deputy alleged, committing human rights abuses on a very large scale and with impunity, as documented in Amnesty International's report of 16 February. In particular, the treatment of the estimated 4,000 detainees remaining in facilities under the control of armed brigades is an issue of grave concern. I urge the interim government, in close collaboration with UNSMIL, to accelerate the transfer of detainees to facilities under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior and to ensure they are treated in strict accordance with international standards.

We also fully support the call by UN Special Representative Martin for all incidents of torture or ill-treatment in any detention centre in Libya, no matter under whose control, to be fully investigated and for such practices to be ended instantly.

Along with our EU and international partners, Ireland will continue to work to ensure that the need for respect for human rights is given prominent recognition in the process of reform and reconstruction which must now get under way in Libya. We remain fully committed to assisting the Libyan people to re-build their country peacefully and on the basis of democratic values centred around human rights and fundamental freedoms.

See this speech in context