Less than two years after the fall of the Gaddafi regime in Libya, the country's leader has said that it's time for Libya to address its human rights record.
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan also thanked the international community, led by the Human Rights Council and the Security Council, for its support through Libya's transition period.
He told the 22nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that Libya hopes to speed up reform.
"We inherited a failed state, paralyzed institutions, a bankrupt treasury, a country from a regime that spread chaos and destruction and caused destabilization, not only in Libya but in the region as a whole, especially in neighbouring countries. This is what prevented us from meeting out urgent obligations, including addressing human rights violations."
Mr Zeidan said that Libya is now working towards achieving the objectives and ambitions for which thousands of Libyans sacrificed their lives.
"We are building a new Libya based on democracy, pluralism, human rights and the rule of law. The government of Libya, since it came to power, has sought to speed up reform and the rebuilding of various sectors. We have invested all our capacities and taken advantage of the solidarity of the international community."
Prime Minister Zeidan said that his country is grateful to the UN, and particularly its office in Libya, for its assistance in the transition to democracy.
Donn Bobb, United Nations.
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