Human Rights Solidarity Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

Ref: PRS 2026/06/1050

June 19, 2026

Human Rights Solidarity Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

Human Rights Solidarity (LHRS) marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict by warning that Libya continues to face alarming and entrenched patterns of conflict‑related sexual violence (CRSV). These violations persist in a context defined by the collapse of state institutions, the dominance of armed groups, and a justice system unable—or unwilling—to hold perpetrators accountable. Fifteen years after the fall of the former regime, the legacy of using sexual violence as a weapon of war continues to shape the present, fueling cycles of abuse and deepening the suffering of survivors.

Sexual violence first emerged as a defining feature of the Libyan conflict during the early days of the 2011 uprising, when security brigades loyal to Muammar Gaddafi used extreme force to suppress popular demonstrations. Although the exact scale of these crimes remains contested, consistent reports from survivors, humanitarian organizations, and UN entities indicated that rape was part of the regime’s “arsenal” of tools used to terrorize and punish. As Margot Wallström, the UN Secretary‑General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict at the time, stated, the information gathered by her office pointed to sexual violence being systematically employed, not as isolated incidents but as part of a broader policy.

In a conservative society where, sexual violence carries profound stigma, early allegations triggered shock and outrage. Dr. Cherif Bassiouni, Chair of the International Commission of Inquiry on Libya, described the atmosphere as “mass hysteria,” reflecting both the gravity of the allegations and the social taboo surrounding them. The regime’s use of rape as a weapon of war left a deep psychological scar on Libyan society—one that continues to influence patterns of violence today. Even Gaddafi himself was subjected to sexual violence upon his capture in October 2011, underscoring the extent to which such abuses had become embedded in the dynamics of conflict.

The end of the regime did not bring an end to these crimes. Instead, sexual violence has persisted and, in some contexts, expanded. LHRS has documented testimonies from men, women, and children who suffered sexual assault and harassment in detention facilities across the country. From Gernada, al‑Kuweifiya, and the Military Police prison in Benghazi, to Mitiga and al‑Jawiya prisons in western Libya, survivors consistently describe environments where sexual violence is used to punish, intimidate, and degrade.

In 2026, UN reports confirm that CRSV remains widespread in both official and unofficial detention centers, including rape, forced nudity, sexual assault, extortion, and trafficking. Migrant women and girls remain among the most vulnerable, facing systematic exploitation and sale to transnational criminal networks. Meanwhile, developments in international justice have been mixed: the ICC’s case against Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri represents a historic step toward accountability, while Italy’s release of Osama Najim—despite an ICC arrest warrant—constitutes a serious setback and a troubling signal to survivors.

The persistence of sexual violence in Libya is not accidental. It is the result of structural impunity, political fragmentation, and the normalization of armed group control. Without decisive action, these crimes will continue to devastate lives and undermine prospects for peace.

LHRS calls on the Libyan authorities to:

• Conduct thorough investigations into all allegations of sexual violence and prosecute perpetrators without exception.
• Guarantee unhindered access for humanitarian and human rights organizations to all detention facilities.
• Provide effective protection for survivors and witnesses and prevent retaliation.
• Ensure comprehensive medical, psychological, and social support services for survivors.
• Adopt national anti‑trafficking legislation in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2331 (2016).
• End arbitrary detention and close all unofficial detention sites.
• Strengthen judicial oversight and restore the independence of the justice system.
• Cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court and other international mechanisms.
• Deploy female guards in women’s detention sections.
• Protect migrants and refugees from sexual violence and exploitation.
• Launch public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage reporting.

LHRS reaffirms its commitment to documenting violations, supporting survivors, and advocating for justice. Ending sexual violence in Libya requires political will, institutional reform, and genuine accountability. Above all, it requires placing survivors at the center of all efforts.

Human Rights Solidarity Organization

Tripoli, Libya
June 19, 2026