A report released on Friday by the United Nations warns that the lack of accountability and years of impunity for those responsible for human rights violations and abuses committed in the city of Tarhuna between 2013 and 2022 threatens to further destabilize and divide the country.
Outlined by the Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Transitional Justice Division of the UN mission and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the report describes the oppressive dominance exercised by the Kaniyat faction over Tarhuna.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk highlighted the passage of years since these "horrific" violations occurred and highlighted the absence of judicial proceedings against the perpetrators, the failure to uncover the truth, and the lack of justice and reparations for the victims and their families.
He emphasized the need to put a definitive end to impunity and to ensure accountability in accordance with due legal process and international standards of fair trial.
The report also noted that the failure to achieve justice has, in certain cases, led to renewed violence and repeated violations, fueling further grievances in Tarhuna and surrounding areas.
The UN report recommends implementing a comprehensive process of transitional justice and reconciliation, with effective measures for truth-seeking and providing effective compensation to victims, including legal assistance, mental health support, and guarantees of non-recurrence.
Additionally, the report calls for stringent measures to achieve accountability through investigations and holding perpetrators accountable in line with international standards.
The report pointed out that the integration of the Kaniyat into the former Government of National Accord and later into Haftar's forces created a significant barrier to achieving accountability and justice, as some residents were hesitant to participate in investigations and report crimes due to fear of retaliation.
