The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights' position regarding the revolutionary events in Libya and the question of what measures the EU might take, by Hannes Tretter.

With a commentary by Hannes Tretter in Der Standard, March 7, 2011.

Tasks for a provident approach of the European Union towards the Arabic World

The revolutionary processes in the Arab world might lead to a political opening towards democracy and the rule of law. Furthermore, these processes imply the challenge, or even more the necessity for the EU to reconsider its neighbourhood as well as asylum and migration policies in the Mediterranean.

In the case of Libya, the EU needs to strengthen the political power of those who claim democratic structures and who intend to develop the rule of law and human rights - whether or not Gaddafi and his regime remain virtually or formally in power.

To cope with the past and to initiate a reconciliation process a new democratically-minded government of Libya has to be supported. This also means that Gaddafi and all those responsible for crimes against humanity under his regime either have to be tried before an independent and a fair trial guaranteeing Libyan court or - on the basis of the recent UN Security Council Resolution - have to be handed over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague in the case of an indictment.

For the full text please see the German version.