Ban Tells Libya To Cease Firing On Civilians

Violence against civilians in Libya must stop and those responsible for the attacks must be held responsible in courts of law says United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

“The reported nature and scale of attacks on civilians are egregious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.“ the Secretary General told reporters this afternoon. “Those responsible for brutally shedding the blood of innocents must be punished” 

Ban cut short an official trip to Los Angeles today,  returning to UN headquarters in New York to discuss the situation in Libya with his senior advisors.

Earlier in the day the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) , an international body that counts Libya as a member, announced it will hold a Special Session on the situation in Libya on Friday. This will be the first time a special session is convened to discuss the human rights situation in UNHRC member state.  

Ban said he welcomed UNHRC’ Special Session as well as the possible creation of an international inquiry into the reported attacks and violence that have so far forced thousands of Libyan to flee the country. 

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) was able to confirm that at least 5 000 people have arrived along the border with Tunisia and 15 000 more at the crossing with Egypt. 

Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said earlier today his country is concerned the collapse of the regime in Libya could lead to a massive influx of immigrants, estimating that anywhere between 200 000 to 300 000 could seek refuge in Italy in the near future. 

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says the UN refugee agency has appealed to countries in Europe and North Africa not to return those fleeing violence and repression in Libya.