WASHINGTON – Responding to the passage of H.R. 4644, the Libya Stabilization Act in Congress, Philippe Nassif, the advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa said:
“The Libya Stabilization Act could finally mean accountability for individuals who commit human rights violations and war crimes, violate the arms embargo in Libya, or threaten the peace, security, and stability of in the country. The passage of this bill creates a much-needed reporting mechanism on foreign interference in Libya, including for those who provide military support in violation of the United Nations arms embargo, threatening civilian lives. This bill directly addresses the root causes of the conflict and could have a meaningful impact on the human rights situation in the country.”
Amnesty International USA is calling on the Senate to pass the bill.
Background
Amnesty International USA has strongly supported H.R. 4644 due to the strong human rights language the bill has included. Libya has experienced untold suffering, with civilians bearing the brunt of years of conflict, insecurity and militia rule.
The bill authorizes U.S. support for efforts to strengthen good governance, promotes anti-corruption measures?, and supports economic recovery both during and after a negotiated political solution to the Libyan conflict. It also authorizes the Department of State and USAID to provide humanitarian assistance to Libyans and migrants, and requires the creation of a strategy to address the humanitarian situation in Libya. The bill seeks to advance diplomacy and calls for a political process under UN auspices, the implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and for the United States to leverage diplomacy to end the conflict in Libya.