On Monday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called for an immediate investigation into the excessive use of force exerted by GNA security personnel against protestors in Tripoli on Sunday.
“UNSMIL calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the excessive use of force by pro-GNA security personnel in Tripoli yesterday which resulted in the injury of a number of protesters,” UNSMIL said in a statement.
It pointed out that the rights to peaceful assembly, protest and freedom of expression “are fundamental human rights and fall within Libya’s obligations under international human rights law.”
“These demonstrations were motivated by frustrations about sustained poor living conditions, shortages of electricity and water and a lack of service provision throughout the country,” the statement added.
UNSMIL emphasized that, given the continuing immiseration of the Libyan people and the ever-present threat of renewed conflict, “it is past time for Libyan leaders to put aside their differences and engage in a fully inclusive political dialogue as outlined by GNA President Fayez al-Sarraj and Parliament Speaker Ageela Saleh in their declarations last week.”