UN alarmed by 'mass executions and atrocious human rights violations' in Libya

UN alarmed by 'mass executions and atrocious human rights violations' in Libya

2011-08-31 01:33:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday expressed "extreme alarm" due to recent reports indicating severe human rights violations in Libya, such as mass executions.

The UN described "atrocious human rights violations" carried out by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's forces in the last few weeks before they lost the country's capital, Tripoli, to rebels. Among these violations are possible mass executions carried out under the former leader's orders.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesman Rupert Colville said the UN is deeply concerned about reports that there are still thousands of people unaccounted for who were previously arrested or taken prisoner by Gaddafi's security forces, both during and before the current conflict.

"Given the gruesome discoveries that have taken place over the past few days, there is good reason to be extremely concerned for their safety," Colville said. "We urge any members of the former regime in a position to reveal where prisoners have been held to do so, before more lives are lost."

The UN urged both sides to exercise restraint and refrain from committing further human rights violations or acts of retaliation, as Colville underlined the importance of proper and complete investigations being carried out into the alleged crimes and other serious violations of international human rights law.

The UN World Food Program (WFP), meanwhile, has been boosting its logistical support for the humanitarian relief effort in the strife-torn North African country, sending in urgent supplies of food, water, medicine and fuel to Tripoli, the coastal areas and the Nafusa mountain region where rebels, recognized by much of the international community, have ousted pro-Gaddafi forces.

The aid includes 600 tons of staple food commodities - including wheat flour, pasta, vegetable oil and tomato paste - for distribution by the Libyan Red Crescent for more than 35,500 conflict-affected and displaced people for one month.

In addition, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) sent 500,000 liters of water from Malta to Tripoli, which is being carried by a WFP vessel. Furthermore, at the request of Libya's National Transitional Council, the WFP is looking to procure 250,000 tons of petrol to cover immediate life-saving needs for one month.

Fuel supplies have been disrupted by the fighting, and water and electricity depend on fuel-run generators. Fuel is also required for hospitals, ambulances and vehicles to distribute critically needed medicines, food, water, and other supplies.

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