TRIPOLI — Libyan authorities, forensic institutions and families of missing persons agreed on practical steps to enable excavation at the suspected mass grave site known as the “Triangle of Death” in Tarhuna, during a roundtable convened by UNSMIL on Monday, 26 October.
Chaired by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Koury and M. Jomaa Mohammed Saleh, the coordinator of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the Cabinet of Ministers, the meeting brought together representatives of the Presidency Council, the Ministries of Justice and Interior, the municipality, relevant security bodies, the General Authority for the Search and Identification of Missing Persons (GASIMP), the National Council for Human Rights and Public Liberties, and families’ representatives.
Discussions focused on securing heavy machinery to remove a substantial layer of debris that has prevented forensic teams from accessing the grave site for several years. Participants committed to arranging the necessary equipment with government support and strengthening coordination on site access and information about suspected burial locations. Clearance and excavation will require forensic oversight to protect human remains and preserve evidence in view of criminal investigations.
Relatives of some of the 61 people reported still missing from Tarhuna reiterated their wish to recover their loved ones and bury them with dignity. Families also highlighted continued financial and administrative difficulties, including the absence of death certificates, and renewed their calls for official recognition and access to associated entitlements and reparations.
The meeting was organized in the light of the recommendations in the August 2024 joint OHCHR-UNSMIL report on Tarhuna, and previous consultations facilitated by the United Nations and aimed at advancing truth, justice and reparation for victims.
A follow-up meeting will take place in in the coming weeks to assess implementation of the commitments of all attending parties.
