UN Mission in Libya calls for calm, preservation of citizens' rights

30 Août 2020

Tripoli, Libya, August 30 (Infosplusgabon) - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called for calm, the application of the rule of law and the preservation of the rights of all citizens to peacefully express their views.

In a statement released on Saturday, UNSMIL notes that Libya is witnessing a dramatic turn of events that underlines the urgent need to return to a full and inclusive political process that will meet the aspirations of the Libyan people for a representative government, dignity, and peace.

"Across Libya, UNSMIL is registering an increase in reports of human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and detention, restrictions placed on freedom of movement and expression, as well as on the right of peaceful assembly and protest," the statement said.

UNSMIL said in Tripoli, it is concerned about the excessive use of force against demonstrators as well as the arbitrary arrest of a number of civilians.

"UNSMIL is also concerned about reports of on-going human rights violations and abuses in Sirte, including the killing of one civilian, the arbitrary arrest of several others, and the illegal forced entry into private properties," it said.

UNSMIL said the prolific use of hate speech and incitement to violence appears designed to further divide Libyans, increase polarization and tear at the country's social fabric at the expense of a Libyan-Libyan solution.

Demonstrations, mostly attended by young people, have been organised in recent days in Tripoli and other Libyan cities to denounce the deterioration of living conditions, mismanagement and endemic corruption in public institutions.

This movement prompted the intervention of security organs which suppressed the demonstrations, which caused a controversy in the country.

This situation has led to the suspension of the Minister of the Interior of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fathi Bachagha, by the Presidential Council which decided to submit him to an administrative inquiry to find out the permission given for these demonstrations, the protection of demonstrators and and their supression.

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