Arab-European Center for Human Rights and International Law convenes in London and later in Tripoli

The Founding Committee of the Arab-European Center for Human Rights and International Law held the first meeting in the presence of the Secretary-General of the center, Aihan Jaf, and the Head of the Oslo bureau, Shorsh Jalal.

The meeting saw the nomination of 15 figures to head and assume work in the center’s bureau in London, and then after having a look at the CVs of the figures, seven names were chosen to run the UK office and kick off work in mid-September.

Ean Libya asked Aihan Jaf about the role of the bureaus in Arab capitals, and he answered saying that they are having many obstacles as human rights work has become like an accusation held against activists especially in the Arab Spring countries.

“Libya’s bureau has got a good number of activists in law sector, human rights, and international law, and they are documenting the violations of human rights in the country and we have condemned the siege of Derna in east Libya by Operation Dignity.” Jaf added.

He also said that the Libyan bureau also organised meetings between Misurata and Tawergha residents and helped build bridges among them.

He also added that Tripoli bureau has not been announced to the public yet despite the fact that was approved by the Libyan Foreign Ministry, saying that the work is now done through some civil societies.

After being endorsed and publicised, the bureau in Tripoli will be the basis for the center’s work in Arab Maghreb countries and will also be the center’s regional representative, Jaf added.

He also hailed the efforts of the Libyan Attorney General’s Head of Investigation Bureau, Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, saying his work was a landmark for respecting law in Libya, while Al-Sour expressed readiness to work with the center.