International concerns over recent escalation in Tripoli
The Co-Chairs of the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Working Group—established under the Berlin Process and represented by the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)—have expressed deep concern over what they described as the 'recent escalation of violence in the capital, Tripoli.'
In a joint statement, the Co-Chairs noted that the recent armed clashes resulted in civilian casualties and injuries, caused damage to homes and protected infrastructure, and were marked by violent repression of demonstrators.
They stated that the killing and injuring of civilians in densely populated areas reflects a 'clear failure by all parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.'
The statement also highlighted the damage inflicted on homes and hospitals due to shelling and gunfire, emphasizing the need for all parties to take measures to protect civilians and public property, and to ensure special protection for medical facilities.
Of particular concern was the reported use of live ammunition by security forces to disperse protesters demanding political change and the withdrawal of armed groups. Meanwhile, The Co-Chairs stressed that 'all Libyans must be guaranteed the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of retaliation,' and called on the authorities to conduct independent investigations into acts of repression and to hold perpetrators accountable, in line with Libya's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The statement also acknowledged reports of armed groups taking control of detention facilities and underlined the importance of safeguarding the rights and humane treatment of detainees, especially amid widespread reports of arbitrary detention and torture. It further called for the preservation of evidence to support accountability efforts.
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