Mohamed “Moin” Mansour El Kikhia, a Libyan pro-democracy activist, addresses the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 23, 2026. Having worked at the forefront of relief efforts and political transition since the fall of the Gaddafi regime, he calls on the UN to safeguard human rights for all Libyans.
Full Speech:
As Libyans, we welcome this review at a time when our country remains affected by more than a decade of division and fragmentation.
This process brings us back to what many Libyans demanded and fought for in 2011: Dignity, freedom, and justice.
I would like to focus on the freedom of expression, which is critical for a legitimate and inclusive political process.
Yet today, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders continue to face intimidation and arbitrary arrest, especially when they criticize those in power.
We call for an independent and transparent investigation into these violations and for an end to the detention and harassment of those exercising their rights to speak freely.
Libya must continue its commitment under international human rights agreements and move forward with real transitional justice.
There can be no lasting stability without accountability, reconciliation, and trust.
Human rights protections must apply to everyone living in Libya without exception.
This includes migrants, asylum seekers, women, men, children, people with disabilities, and communities still struggling to access basic services such as safe water, education, and security.
It’s now essential that the recommendations from this UPR are implemented in practice so that Libya’s future can move closer to what many hoped for in 2011:
A country that’s united, governed by law, and respectful of the rights of all.
Thank you.
