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International Community Responds to Qaddafi’s Death; Libya’s Next Steps
October 26, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

On October 20, former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Qaddafi was killed while trying to flee the city of Sirte. Video footage from Sirte showed that Qaddafi was alive, but wounded, when he was initially captured. Less than an hour after his capture, BBC News reported that Qaddafi had died due to injuries sustained while in rebel custody. His body was later flown to the city of Misrata and buried in an undisclosed location.

Following the announcement of Qaddafi’s death, the office of United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called for an investigation to determine whether or not Qaddafi was executed. The New York Times reported that Rupert Colville, Pillay’s spokesperson, stated that the matter needed “clarity.” Speaking at the UN Headquarters, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for peace in Libya and stated, “Combatants on all sides must lay down their arms in peace.”

Commenting on Qaddafi’s death, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that United States President Barack Obama said the embattled dictator missed his opportunity to help Libya transition to democracy. Appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Obama stated that Qaddafi’s death should be an example to all dictators that cling to power. “Obviously, you never like to see anybody come to the kind of end that he did, but I think it obviously sends a strong message around the world to dictators that people long to be free,” Obama told Leno.

Focusing on Libya’s next steps, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the governing National Transitional Council (NTC) to promote and protect human rights in the country. During Qaddafi’s 42-year rule, Libya was host to thousands of human right abuses, including extrajudicial killings, disappearances, politically-motivated arrests, and torture. HRW suggested the NTC adopt amendments pertaining to international standards for human rights in a new constitution. Additionally, HRW called for the end of revenge-motivated attacks in Qaddafi loyalist areas. HRW urged the NTC to prosecute former Qaddafi government and military officers for their past crimes against humanity.

For previous news on Libya, please see:
Libyan NTC Faces Challenges on Path to Democracy 

Sources:
BBC News – As it happened: Libya's Col Gaddafi killed

New York Times – U.N. Panel Calls for Inquiry Into Qaddafi’s Death

UN News Centre - Libyans must come together and reconcile after Qadhafi’s reported death – Ban

Human Rights Watch - Libya: New Era Needs Focus on Rights

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty - Obama Says Qaddafi Missed Chance For Democracy