By the Editor.

In a January 2011 United Nations Human Rights Council report, a dizzying number of nations praised the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for its record spanning the areas of human rights, social protection, and equality (especially for women). Libya is also lauded for its rehabilitation programmes and services for the disabled.

Counted amongst the line-up of countries applauding Libya’s human rights record is Qatar, the nation that bankrolled the pernicious propaganda effort underpinning NATO’s illegal war. With reports that have since been verified as lies, the corporate media has tried to create the impression that Col. Gaddafi’s Libya is an oppressive, barbaric place to live.

This report, made with the cooperation of most of the very nations that are now bombing Libya under a fraudulent ‘humanitarian intervention’ pretext, paints a very different picture. Below are a few excerpts.  The entire document can be read here [pdf].  A copy has also been uploaded to my server here.

A. Presentation by the State under review (the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya )
“During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 46 delegations. A number of delegations commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for the preparation and presentation of its national report, noting the broad consultation process with stakeholders in the preparation phase. Several delegations also noted with appreciation the country’s commitment to upholding human rights on the ground .”

“The delegation noted that the national report had been prepared in a transparent and consultative manner.”

“The delegation noted that all rights and freedoms were contained in a coherent, consolidated legal framework. The legal guarantees formed the basis for protection of the basic rights of the people.”

“Protection of human rights was guaranteed in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya; this included not only political rights, but also economic, social and cultural rights. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya referred to its pioneering experience in the field of wealth distribution and labour rights.”

“The delegation indicated that women were highly regarded in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, and their rights were guaranteed by all laws and legislation. Discriminatory laws had been revoked. Libyan women occupied prominent positions in the public sector, the judicial system, the public prosecutor’s office, the police and the military. Libyan legislation also guaranteed children their rights, and provided for special care for children with special needs, the elderly and persons with disabilities.”

“The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya believed that human rights education was a duty that should be fulfilled in the school system and the family system and by relevant civil society organizations.”

“Freedom of religion was also guaranteed, in accordance with basic laws and the Green Document, which stipulated that religion was a private spiritual and individual value and constituted a direct relationship with the Creator (God).”

“Regarding measures taken to prevent torture and ill treatment in detention centres or prisons, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya indicated that the practice of torture and ill treatment was forbidden in article 434 of the Penal Code, which stated that public officials who had ordered the torture of a person or had committed an act of torture were sentenced to 3 to 10 years’ imprisonment.”

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
“Algeria noted the efforts of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to promote human rights, which reflected the country’s commitment to complying with Human Rights Council resolutions and cooperating with the international community. Algeria welcomed the national institutional framework that had been set up, in particular the National Human Rights Committee. It noted that the country had made some progress in the area of education, as well as social and economic progress since the lifting of economic sanctions.”

“Qatar praised the legal framework for the protection of human rights and freedoms, including, inter alia, its criminal code and criminal procedure law, which provided legal guarantees for the implementation of those rights. Qatar expressed appreciation for the improvements made in the areas of education and health care, the rights of women, children and the elderly, and the situation of people with special needs.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic praised the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for its serious commitment to and interaction with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. It commended the country for its democratic regime based on promoting the people’s authority through the holding of public conferences, which enhanced development and respect for human rights, while respecting cultural and religions traditions.”

“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea praised the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for its achievements in the protection of human rights, especially in the field of economic and social rights, including income augmentation, social care, a free education system, increased delivery of health-care services, care for people with disabilities, and efforts to empower women.”

“Bahrain noted that the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya had adopted various policies aimed at improving human rights, in particular the right to education and the rights of persons with disabilities. Bahrain commended the free education system and praised programmes such as electronic examinations and teacher training. It commended the country for its efforts regarding persons with disabilities, particularly all the services and rehabilitation programmes provided.”

“Palestine commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for the consultations held with civil society in the preparation of the national report, which demonstrated its commitment to the improved enjoyment of human rights. Palestine praised the country for the Great Green Document on Human Rights. It noted the establishment of the national independent institution entrusted with promoting and protecting human rights, which had many of the competencies set out in the Paris Principles.”

“Iraq commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for being a party to most international and regional human rights instruments, which took precedence over its national legislation. It welcomed the efforts to present a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation in the country based on the unity among democracy, development and human rights.”

“Saudi Arabia commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya’s achievements in its
constitutional, legislative and institutional frameworks, which showed the importance that
the country attached to human rights.”

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the efforts of the Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya to promote economic, social and cultural rights, especially those of children. It
highlighted progress achieved in ensuring free and compulsory education.”

“Cuba commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for the progress made in the
achievement of one of the Millennium Development Goals, namely, universal primary
education. It noted that the country had also made a firm commitment to providing health
care.”

“Egypt commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for progress in building a
comprehensive national human rights framework of institutions and in drafting legislation
and supporting its human resources in that area.”

“Morocco welcomed the achievements in promoting social protection, especially for
women, children and persons with special needs. It welcomed the efforts to protect the
rights of children.”